Social Systems Theory (Niklas Luhmann)

Social Systems Theory, developed by Niklas Luhmann, views society as a complex system made up of interrelated components, such as individuals, institutions, and communications. It emphasizes that each social system (like law, education, or family) operates according to its own rules and forms of communication, which are distinct from one another. Luhmann argued that social interactions and structures evolve independently and are often self-referential, meaning they rely on their internal logic. This perspective helps us understand how societal changes occur and how different systems interact without direct influence on one another.