Social Systems Theory

Abstract

The knowledge of the basic concepts of Luhmann’s theory can facilitate the understanding of his analysis of the education system. Luhmann’s systems theory is based on the distinction between system and environment, and on the concepts of autopoiesis as a general feature of systems, and meaning (Sinn) as a basic form of psychic and social systems. Luhmann’s analysis of social systems includes communication, as the basic operation of these systems, structures of expectations, structural coupling between social and psychic system, and observation as systems operation. Against this background, Luhmann’s theory of society combines the analysis of communication media, in particular, symbolically generalised media that make successful communication probable, and internal differentiation of society. This analysis leads to understanding education as a subsystem of modern, functionally differentiated society.