Merton's Concept of Functional Alternatives
The concept of 'functional alternatives' as a means to study social change using functional theory was proposed by R.K. Merton. Merton, a prominent sociologist, refined functionalist perspectives.
Understanding Functional Alternatives
Merton introduced the idea that different social structures or cultural patterns can fulfill the same basic function within a social system. This concept of 'functional alternatives' allows for a more dynamic understanding of social change, as societies can adapt by substituting one functional element for another while maintaining equilibrium.
Analysis of Options
- R.K. Merton: Correctly identified with the concept of 'functional alternatives'.
- Talcott Parsons: A key functionalist, known for structural functionalism, but not primarily for 'functional alternatives'.
- B. Malinowski: An anthropologist who focused on the function of social practices in specific societies, but 'functional alternatives' is Merton's term.
- Emile Durkheim: A foundational sociologist whose work on social solidarity and functions laid groundwork, but he did not coin the term 'functional alternatives'.
Therefore, R.K. Merton is the sociologist credited with the concept of 'functional alternatives' in the context of functional theory and social change.
Important Questions from Sociological Aspect - Teaching
- Differences between natural and social sciences arise from cognitive intentions of the investigator', whose view is this ?
Match List - I with List - II and select the correct answer from the codes given below the lists :
List - I (Concepts) List - II (Sociologists) (a) Internal structure of role (i) C. Levi-strauss (b) Structure of myth (ii) B. Malinowski (c) Functions of rituals (iii) S.F. Nadel (d) Basic and derived needs (iv) T. Parsons (v) A.R. Radcliffe-Brown - Who has stated that the basic characterstics of human mind determine the possible varieties of social structure ?
- Who has given a functional theory based on basic and derived needs ?
- Who has distinguished between simple society and industrial society on the basis of mechanical and organic solidarity ?
