Merton's critique to conventional structural functionalism provided new conceptual insights which helped to give structural functionalism a continuing usefulness. Discuss.

Ans) Conventional structural functions, divides society into multiple structure (such as religion, family, gender, education, economic base etc) and states that every structure exists as it performs a function. Thus it talks of indispensability of structure & their universal functionality in the society.

This aspect of conventional structural functionalism was critiqued by RK Merton as follows :-

1. Criticised functional unity postulate : He said that earlier structural functionalist only looked at functionalism & not dysfunctions & non-functions. Eg) [Deviance] can be both functional [Innovator] & dysfunctional [Retreatist - Red tapism in bureaucracy]

2. Criticised functional indispensibility postulate i.e. every structure performs an indispensible function. However, in reality no single structure is indispensible as multiple structure might perform single function [Eg) family, school both performing function of socialisation] & one structure might be performing many functions [Eg) religion binding society (Durkheim), reducing anxiety in Trobrianders before going to sea (Malinowski)]

3. Criticised universal functionalism postulate i.e. same structure might be functional for some & dysfunctional for others. Eg) slavery [functional for masters, dysfunctional for slaves]

4. Criticised grand theories developed by sociologists like [Talcott Parsons]. He suggested to go for middle range theories, which were based on limited assumptions & covered both micro & macro sociological aspects. Eg) Merton's theory on Deviance

5. Merton expanded the scope of structural functionalism by studying not only manifest functions (as done by earlier sociologist) but also the latent functions.

Eg) In his study of [Hopi Tribe] says that manifest function (reason) behind rain dance is appeasement of God but latent function is increasing solidarity between tribals

1. Merton also made sociology much more inter disciplinary than conventional functionalists and gave new conceptual Insights in the form of his study of "Reference Group". His concept of anticipatory socialisation, marginal man became important concepts for other fields of social science.

2. He gave new conceptual insight unto the concept of Deviance. He explained deviance as a result of relative deprivation coming out because of mismatch between culturally desirable goals & structurally available means [His study of "American Dream"].

Thus he categorised deviance into:-

This approach of Merton towards structural functional [different from] by chicago school which gave ecological approach to deviance.

However, Merton by providing new conceptual Insights helped in keeping structural functionalism useful.