merton

• merton - internal critique of functionalism 


  • also a functionalist however critiques parsons theories in 3 ways
  • argues we cannot simply assume, as Parsons does, that society is always and necessarily a smooth-running, well-integrated system.

  1. indispensability
  2. functional unity
  3. universal functionalism
• indispensability - functional alternatives

  • Parsons assumes that everything in society – the family, religion and so on – is essential/indispensible in its existing form
  • however merton states the possibility of functional alternatives
  • institutions can be replaced

  e.g primary socialisation can also be performed by one parent families not just nuclear
• functional unity

  • Parsons assumes that all parts of society are tightly integrated into a single whole or ‘unity’ and that each part is functional for all the rest.
  • Instead of functional unity, some parts may have ‘functional autonomy’ (independence) from others, does not have a knock-on effect, does not change when others do
  • e.g laslett found that during pre-industrial era the most common form of family was nuclear families - therefore family structure did not change during industrialisation period
• universal functionalism

  • Parsons assumes that everything in society performs a positive function for society as a whole.
  • Yet some things may be functional for some groups and dysfunctional for others.
  • similar to conflict theories - ruling class benefit from functional society, working class see it as dysfunctional
• manifest and latent functions

  • Manifest functions - the recognized and intended functions e.g schools help develop educational development
  • latent functions - are those unrecognized and unintended functions e.g schools promote social solidarity, hidden curriculum