Durkheim And Merton Case Study

There were a great number of sociologist that dealt and helped create the structural-functional approach. Two of those well known men were Emile Durkheim and Robert K. Merton. The structural functional theory “is a framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability” (Macionis, page 14). This approach corresponds with social structure and a structure’s social functions. Social structure is “any relatively stable pattern of social behavior” (Macionis, page 14). This structure gives our lives dynamic in many perspectives such as: in our families, careers, schools, and communities. Social functions is “the consequences of any social pattern for the operation of society

Emile Durkheim dealt a lot with society and function. According to Durkheim, he found that society exists past ourselves and it is also more than the people that compose of it. He says that it shapes the way we as humans live our lives. After noting that our society has structure, he explores function. “The significance of any social fact is more than what individuals see in their immediate lives; social facts help along the operation of society as a whole” (Macionis, page 103). He also had a great influence on getting sociology studied in French universities (Macionis, page 14). Robert Merton “pointed out that any social structure probably has many functions, some more obvious than others” (Macionis, page 14). He was the sociologist that told between manifest and latent functions. Manifest functions are intended consequences of any social patterns and latent functions are the same, but unintended

There are many manifest functions of modern technology that benefits our society today. Three ways that technology has improved our society is with online sales and marketing, crimes, and communication. Technology has allowed businesses to expand and gain more customers. A lot of today’s companies do a major part of their marketing through technology like commercials, websites, and social media. This helps them gain more customers and popularity. Many businesses also sell a lot of their products online through websites. This allows them to be able to get customers from more than one location. Another way modern technology has helped the people of today are those such as detectives. Crimes years ago that could not be solved due to lack of technology can now seek justice. The advancements in technology, such as DNA testing, has helped put many guilty people behind bars. Technology has allowed many ways for easier communication. People are able to communicate through social media, texting, calling, and so much more. Back in the past, people had to use ways such as telegraph that would take longer. Now, we are able to call people thousands of miles away and communicate a lot faster. Modern society is better than traditional society because we keep finding advancements. These advancements include technology improvements, cures and vaccines for sicknesses, and more jobs.