In social systems, the elements and relations are vague and hard to define. While systems in the physical sciences (like the solar system, chemical reactions, and ecological systems) are extremely rigorous, social systems are less precise. Social systems have similar mechanisms (Rapoport, 1968). Living systems do this through homeostasis mechanisms that restore equilibrium. Systems appear to have “a will” of their own and a “purpose” to maintain a steady state. Systems are classified by the “nature of their relation to their environments” and the “search for laws governing the behavior of each class” (Rapoport, 1968, p. Social systems might be described as a class of entities (individuals, families, institutions) with relations among them (communication channels, influence, obligations). Social systems, including economics and politics, fit within the definition. This definition is broad enough to include systems as different as the solar system and language.
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