When functionalism was criticized for exaggerating the degree of consensus that people in a society shared,which theorist proposed that social structures may have differing impacts on different groups of people?
A) Robert Merton
B) Charles Horton Cooley
C) Talcott Parsons
D) George Herbert Mead

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Merton was a critic of functionalism and believed that social structures could have different effects on different groups, which he referred to as manifest and latent functions. He argued that functionalism overlooked the potential for social inequality and conflict.

When Functionalism Was Criticized for Exaggerating the Degree of Consensus