ABSTRACTA common criticism of Parsonian theory has been that it is really not a theory but only a classificatory scheme. Critics claim that its concepts are not amenable to operationalization and that low‐level empirically testable hypotheses cannot be derived from the theory. We argue that: (I) These criticisms are based upon a limited concept of theory, one that neglects other important functions that theory performs. (2) Many concepts in Parsonian theory can and have been operationalized. (3) Empirically testable propositions can be deduced from Parsons's theory. Examples from the areas of social evolution, criminology, small groups, and the self are discusse