Merton’s criticism of Malinowski can be seen as a significant contribution to the field of anthropology. Merton, an American sociologist, argued that Malinowski’s functionalist approach to studying societies was flawed and limited in its scope.
One of Merton’s main criticisms was that Malinowski focused too heavily on the individual needs and functions within a society, neglecting the larger structural factors that shape social systems. According to Merton, this individualistic approach failed to account for the complex interplay between social institutions and the broader cultural and historical context in which they exist.
Merton also critiqued Malinowski’s reliance on participant observation as the primary method of data collection. While acknowledging the value of this method, Merton argued that it often led to a biased and partial understanding of social phenomena. He believed that a more objective and systematic approach, involving quantitative data and statistical analysis, was necessary for a comprehensive understanding of social systems.
In addition to his critique of Malinowski, Merton also took issue with the work of Radcliffe-Brown, another influential anthropologist of the time. Like Malinowski, Radcliffe-Brown adhered to a functionalist perspective, emphasizing the role of social institutions in maintaining social order. However, Merton argued that Radcliffe-Brown’s approach was overly deterministic and failed to account for the agency and creativity of individuals within social systems.
Merton’s criticism of Malinowski and Radcliffe-Brown can be seen as a call for a more holistic and multidimensional approach to studying societies. He advocated for a broader consideration of the social, cultural, and historical factors that shape social systems, as well as a more rigorous and objective methodology. By challenging the dominant functionalist paradigm of the time, Merton paved the way for new theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches in anthropology and sociology.