Structural Functionalism of T. Parsons and R. Merton

Structural functionalism is the leading direction in sociology. It was very carefully developed in the works of T. Parsons and R. Merton. Let's consider their concepts in more detail.

T. Parsons - leading professor of sociology faculty of Harvard entered the history of science as the creator of a new direction. Structural functionalism in his works is very carefully and thoroughly developed. The main points that he formulated were as follows.

1. Structural functionalism asserts that social actions are the unity of the three subsystems: the subject of the action, the specific situation and the value-normative prescriptions as a condition for the action. As a result, a self-organizing complex is formed, which is characterized by voluntarism, normative and symbolic.
2. Within its framework, a special system for analyzing the system of actions was developed. As a result, a four-functional scheme is formed that is able to analytically divide society into four subsystems: a behavioral organism, a personality, culture and a social system.
3. T. Parsons paid considerable attention to the problem of stability and stability of the complex. For the normal development and existence of the social system, it will be necessary to perform specific functions. It is about adaptation to the environment; The goal of achievement; Integration, coordination of activities of all elements; Maintenance of norms, rules and designs.
4. The structural functionalism of Parsons argues that an economic subsystem is necessary for adaptation. Its functions are the goal-setting, integration with other bodies and maintenance of the system of norms. In addition, great importance is exercised by the bodies of socialization.
5. The numerous societies existing in modern times are not some random species. It is a whole system, parts of it are differentiated from each other, but at the same time they are integrated on the basis of interdependence.
6. A modern type of society can only arise in the evolutionary zone. At present it is the West.

The structural functionalism of R.Merton is aimed at the analysis of social systems at the middle level. It is based on somewhat different grounds than in the concept of T. Parsons. Because the latter focused only on their functions and the functionality of systems and structures that provide social order. Merton also paid attention to dysfunctions and dysfunctions, which lead to increased tensions, contradictions, and disorderly behavior in society. In this case, it is a question of poor adaptation of its basic structures.

The central position of his concept is the doctrine of the forms of the emergence of functions - hidden and explicit. The first arises when it comes to the unconscious and unintended consequences of social action, and the second - about intentional and objective.

Particular attention R. Merton devoted to the development of the theory of anomalies and deviant behavior. Their appearance by scientists is viewed as the result of the manifestation of a crisis, disorder, disorder and dysfunctions in the social system. Determining factors are the decomposition of moral values and the distortion of ideals in the individual and public consciousness. He studied the sociology of professions, medicine and science in detail.

The functional theory of R. Merton distinguishes five types of adaptation:

• Conformism, when the public goals and ways of achieving a person are fully accepted;
• Innovation, when only social goals are comprehended;
• Ritualism, when methods of achievement are recognized;
• Retreatism denies both;
• Rebellion implies the existence of a protest.