sociology theory

Alvin Gouldner and the Critique of Functionalism

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Introduction Functionalism was one of the dominant theoretical paradigms in sociology during the mid-20th century. Developed most prominently by Talcott Parsons and further refined by Robert K. Merton, functionalism presented society as a system of interrelated parts that work together to maintain order, stability, and equilibrium. However, as the 1960s and 1970s brought waves of … Read more

C. Wright Mills and the Critique of Functionalism

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Introduction on C. Wright Mills In the mid-20th century, American sociology was dominated by structural functionalism, an approach most famously associated with Talcott Parsons and Robert K. Merton. Functionalism emphasized the stability of society, viewing it as a system of interrelated parts working together to maintain order and equilibrium. However, as the world entered an … Read more