Page "Structural functionalism" Paragraph 39

Robert K. Merton was a functionalist.

He fundamentally agreed with Parsons ’ theory.

However, he acknowledged that it was problematic, believing that it was over generalized 2005: 100.

Merton tended to emphasize middle range theory rather than a grand theory, meaning that he was able to deal specifically with some of the limitations in Parsons ’ theory.

Merton believed that any social structure probably has many functions, some more obvious than others.

He identified 3 main limitations: functional unity, universal functionalism and indispensability in Gingrich, 1999.

He also developed the concept of deviance and made the distinction between manifest and latent functions.

Manifest functions referred to the recognized and intended consequences of any social pattern.

Latent functions referred to unrecognized and unintended consequences of any social pattern.