ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores a range of areas for research that Talcott Parson's approach to the boundary between society and economy has not been fully appreciated and followed up through empirical work. Parsons contribution has been understood almost exclusively in terms of the concept of the 'sick role'. Parsons' concept of the 'sick role' played a crucial part in the development of a specifically sociological perspective on sickness. Other substantive areas of sociological inquiry where Parsons' influence has been significant would include the sociology of the professions, the sociology of the family, the sociology of education and the analysis of social stratification. While he has made a major contribution to the development of certain substantive fields in sociology, Parsons has been more commonly perceived in terms of his development of certain theoretical themes and problems in sociology.
