Below is a Notion-compatible, UPSC-oriented explanation of your line:

“Talcott Parsons was trying to become the Karl Marx of the Functionalist tradition.”

Was Talcott Parsons Trying to Become the ‘Karl Marx’ of Functionalism? – A Sociological Analysis

1. Why This Comparison Emerges

Karl Marx created a grand, totalizing theory of society based on conflict, class relations, and modes of production.

Similarly, Talcott Parsons attempted a grand, unified theory of society from the functionalist–structural perspective.

Both wanted to build:

• A universal theoretical framework
• A systemic explanation of society
• A predictive model of social change
• A foundational text for their tradition

Thus, the comparison is not about ideology but about ambition, scope, and scale of theory-building.

2. Marx’s Grand Theory vs. Parsons’ Grand Theory

Karl Marx

• Society driven by contradictions, conflict, material forces.
• Social change occurs through dialectical movement, class struggle.
• Historical materialism provides a meta-theory of society.
• Aims to explain BOTH social structure and social transformation.