ABSTRACT

An important (and still underappreciated) aspect of Pareto’s theoretical framework took shape in the final decade of his life. In his final years, much of Pareto’s attention was focused on the fact that “social systems” sometimes arrive at equilibrium sticking points; points where dysfunctional outcomes are reproduced for extended periods of time. In other words, social system processes can sometimes unfold in ways that bring change to a virtual standstill (for a time), even if the status quo has appreciable negative consequences. Thus, by taking account of sticking points, Pareto both anticipated and explained maladaptive equilibrium outcomes. This is theoretically quite important, because Pareto’s treatment of sticking points brings greater clarity to his otherwise rather ambiguous conceptualization of “social systems.” And in practical terms, Pareto’s analysis of sticking points can explain societal procrastination in the face of serious problems.