Talcott Parsons was an influential American sociologist known for his work in the mid-20th century. He developed the structural functionalism theory, which views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and order. Parsons believed that social institutions, like the family and education, play crucial roles in maintaining societal equilibrium. Parsons also introduced the concept of the AGIL framework, which outlines four essential functions that any social system must fulfill: Adaptation, Goal attainment, Integration, and Latency. His ideas have significantly shaped the field of sociology, influencing how we understand social structures and their functions in everyday life.