Merton's Internal Critique of Functionalism

Question 1

What is Merton’s main argument against Parson?

Answer 1

We can’t assume that society is always a smooth-running, well-integrated society, as Parsons suggest.

Question 2

How Merton criticise Parsons assumption of indispensability?

Answer 2

• Parsons assumes that all institutions society are functionally indispensable in its existing form
• Merton argues that is an untested assumption and points to ‘functional alternatives’. e.g. Parsons assumes that assumes primary socialisaton is best performed by the nuclear family, but maybe lone-parent families do it just as well

Question 3

How does Merton criticise Parsons assumption of functional unity?

Answer 3

• Parsons assumes that all parts of society are tightly integrated into a ‘unity’ and each part is functional for all the rest, and change to one part will have an effect on the other parts
• However, complex modern society has many parts which may be distantly ‘related’ to each other, so some parts may have ‘functional autonomy’ from others.

Question 4

How does Merton criticise Parsons assumption of universal functionalism?

Answer 4

• Parsons assumes that everything in society performs a positive function for society.
• But some things may be functional for some and dysfunctional for others. The idea of dysfunctions suggests there may be conflict of interests and some groups have the power to keep arrangements that benefit them at the expense of others

Question 5

What are manifest and latent functions?

Answer 5

• Merton argues that manifest functions are that are intended while latent functions are unintended.
• He cities the example of the Hopi Native Americans, who would perform a rain-dance ritual to promote rain, which is a manifest function. But the ritual had a latent function of promoting social solidarity at times of hardship.
• This distinction is helps to understand hidden connections between social phenomena, where the individuals may not be aware