False connections: Systems and action theories in neofunctionalism and in Jurgen Habermas

Recent theoretical discussions have served to bridge the gap separating sys tems- and action-theoretical approaches; however the question of their basi c compatibility; has rarely been raised This paper takes up two efforts at linking systems and action theory: those of neofunctionalists and those of Jurgen Habermas. Neofunctionalists start from the inadequacies of systems f unctionalism and seek to open it to the theory of action. Habermas. on the other hand, seeks to overcome the limits of the theory of action by widenin g its scope in systems-theoretical terms. Successful synthesis eludes both efforts. either the status of voluntaristic aspects is so enhanced that the systemic whole and its functional imperatives practically vanish, or too m uch emphasis is placed on the systemic aspect, reducing actors to the mere executing agents of systemic needs. The combination, of theories of structu re and action provides a way old of this dilemma.