The Moderate Approach to Sociological Functionalism

Abstract

A critique of the moderating approach to functionalism taken by Merton in his essay on "Manifest and Latent Functions" is presented. The focus is on the alternatives proposed by Merton to the prevail ing postulates of functionalism: the postulate of functional unity, the postulate of universal function alism, and the postulate of indispensability. In each instance it is indicated how the moderating alternative suggested in no way resolves the problems inherent in functionalism. It is alleged that Merton's criticism instead of being a positive refinement of functional analysis introduces greater inconsistencies into the inherent logic of functionalism.