The individual-society relationship remains a central issue in the social sciences which has not yet reached a consensual explanation. This article presents the way in which Niklas Luhmann’s theory of social systems deals with the subject. I discuss some of the critical approaches this theory has arises. Then I present social system’s concepts and partial theories that describe the individual-
society relationship. I conclude with some reflections about what we consider to be “theoretical advantages” regarding Luhmann’s theory vis-a-vis common explanations in sociology. This, because in Luhmann’s theory of social systems –contrary to critical judgments-, individuals are theoretically placed in society’s environment, thus maintaining a relative autonomy which allows them to consider without idealism their actual possibilities to influence society.
Keywords:
sociology, individual, system theory, Luhmann, humanism
Dockendorff, C. (2013). Social structures: the individual-society relationship in Niklas Luhmann’s theory. Cinta De Moebio. Revista De Epistemología De Ciencias Sociales, (48). Retrieved from https://actascoloquiogiannini.uchile.cl/index.php/CDM/article/view/30318
