Robert K. Merton was a sociologist born in Philadelphia, USA on July 4, 1910. He studied at Temple University, Harvard University, and Columbia University. He is known as one of the important figures in American sociology who developed structural functional theory and deviance theory.

Merton criticized three postulates from anthropologists Malinowski and Radcliffe-Brown. The first postulate is the functional unity of society, which states that all parts of society function harmoniously to maintain social balance. Merton rejected this postulate because he saw conflict and tension in society. The second postulate is universal functionalism, which states that all parts of society have a specific function. Merton rejected this postulate because he saw parts of society that did not function or had a negative impact. The third postulate is indispensability, which states that all parts of society cannot be replaced or removed. Merton rejected this postulate because he saw changes and variations in society.

Merton also analyzed the function of the system or structure, which is divided into three categories: function, dysfunction, and non-function. Function is the positive impact of a part on the entire system. Dysfunction is the negative impact of a part on the entire system. Non-function is the absence of impact of a part on the entire system.

Merton also introduced the concept of manifest and latent functions. Manifest function is the intended and recognized impact by social actors. Latent function is the unintended and unrecognized impact by social actors. For example, the manifest function of a school is to provide education to students, while the latent function of a school is to provide socialization and supervision to them.