ABSTRACT
The pattern socialization and control subsystem maintains or changes the pattern of values, norms, collectivities, and roles of which the society is composed by socializing or failing to socialize individuals into this pattern and perpetuating or failing to perpetuate their adherence to it. Effective pattern socialization and control within the political system is best achieved by a widely accepted set of procedural norms—a constitution in the broadest sense, although it can be achieved for a short time by a charismatic leader. The control and facilitation framework gives greater emphasis than Parsons does to the distribution of media of exchange among roles and collectivities in society and the political system. There is a virtually universal consensus among observers of the African scene that significant political change is taking place on that continent, but there is far less consensus on how that change can best be explained and its future extent, speed, and directions predicted.
