Conclusion

Abstract

The progressive evolution of societies is reflected in a double, but simultaneous, process of differentiation. First, society becomes differentiated in terms of two forms of its reproduction: the lifeworld for its symbolic reproduction, and the system for its material reproduction. Second, within each form of reproduction, further differentiation takes place for the purpose of coordinating individual purposive (teleological) actions. The life-world becomes differentiated into three structural components: culture, society, and personality; and action is coordinated via language as the medium of communication. The aim is directed toward social integration. Society as a system becomes differentiated into two subsystems: the economy and polity. Action coordination takes a delinguistified form: money in the sphere of economy, and bureaucratic power in the sphere of politics. The aim here is directed toward system integration.