Question: who has given the concept of functional alternatives

title: Robert K. Merton
text: According to Merton 's perception of `` functionalism '' , all standardized social and cultural beliefs and practices are functional for both society as a whole as well as individuals in society . This outlook maintains that various parts of social systems must show a high level of integration , but Merton argues that a generalization like this can not be extended to larger , more complex societies . The second claim has to do with universal functionalism . This claim argues that all standardized social and cultural structures and forms have a positive function . Merton argues that this is a contradiction to what is seen in the real world ; not every structure , idea , belief , etc. , has positive functions . The third claim of functional analysis that Merton argues with is that of indispensability . This claim states that the standardized parts of society have positive functions , and also represent indispensable parts of the working whole , which implies that structures and functions are functionally necessary for society . Here , Merton argues , people must be willing to admit that there exist various structural and functional alternatives within society . 

Answer: answer: According to Robert K. Merton's perception of ``functionalism,'' Merton argues that people must be willing to admit that there exist various structural and functional alternatives within society,