Final answer:
Systems theory is the perspective that views society as a set of interdependent, inherently connected parts, explaining interactions among different systems like living, family, and solar systems. It offers insights into the complexity of societal structure and individual agency within these systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theoretical perspective that views society as having a system of interdependent inherently connected parts is known as systems theory. Systems theory encompasses various types of systems, such as living systems, family systems, community systems, and solar systems. It seeks to explain the complex interactions within these systems, showing how each part contributes to the function of the whole.
In systems theory, entities like planets can be perceived as micro systems within the macro system of a solar system, or solar systems as micro within the galaxy macro. This hierarchical organization shows the scalability of systems theory across different domains, from biology and sociology to astronomy. For instance, British sociologist Anthony Giddens has contributed to systems theory by discussing how individuals interact with systems, and how these systems shape our decisions, reflecting our agency within the structure.
Moreover, it's argued that ecological sustainability requires a comprehensive understanding of the complex biophysical and social systems, which might be achieved through advanced systems modeling, albeit the inherent complexity makes complete understanding difficult.