Living alone has become a trend among modern people, and this trend is global. This brings the term "herd instinct," which means that all animals have an instinct to form groups. Since humans are also animals, they have an instinct to live in groups. Therefore, being isolated can lead to mental and physical suffering. When faced with a challenge, it is said that one can choose either to fight or to flee. Strong people will fight, while the weak-hearted will flee. The place they flee to must be safe, and psychoanalysts describe this safe place as the mother's womb.

Additionally, hiding in one's cramped and narrow room from a dangerous society can be seen as a return to the mother's womb, and such individuals are called 'hikikomori' or reclusive loners. Rapid social development has improved the quality of our lives, but on the flip side, some groups could not adapt to these rapid changes. Research on Korean-style hikikomori, or reclusive loners, is just beginning in Korea. This essay examines Korea's reclusive loners through Merton's Anomie Theory and critiques it through various cases.

Merton's structural functionalism aims to minimize the overemphasis on functionalist aspects and highlight the significance of empirical functionalism. Merton initiated a critique of Parsons' functionalist strategy, arguing that Parsons' attempt to develop an all-encompassing conceptual framework was not only ambitious but also ultimately futile. According to Merton, Parsons' grand theoretical schema was premature, as the theoretical and empirical foundation necessary for its completion had not yet been established. 

From Merton's critical perspective, the strategies and frameworks labeled as sociological theories up to that point, including those advocated by Parsons, were not indeed theories. Instead, they were a collection of "various implications, the brilliance of knowledge systems, and futility" within a philosophical context. Merton believed these grand theories lacked a solid empirical basis and were more speculative than scientific.

Merton contended that constructing elaborate theoretical systems without empirical support builds on shaky ground. He argued that such approaches could not adequately address the complexities of social phenomena. Instead, he proposed that sociology should focus on what he called "middle-range theories." Unlike grand overarching theories, these theories aim to address specific social phenomena and are grounded in empirical research. 

Middle-range theories serve as a bridge between grand theories and empirical observations. They are more modest in scope but are empirically testable and capable of guiding specific sociological research. According to Merton, middle-range theories are more practical and valuable for sociologists because they are rooted in observable data and can be validated or refuted through empirical research.

Merton's emphasis on empirical functionalism also led him to develop concepts such as "manifest functions" and "latent functions." Manifest functions are the intended and recognized consequences of social actions, while latent functions are the unintended and often unrecognized consequences. This distinction helped to clarify the complexities of social systems and provided a more nuanced understanding of how various elements of society interact.

In summary, Merton's structural functionalism sought to balance the need for theoretical frameworks with the necessity of empirical validation. By advocating for middle-range theories, Merton provided a practical approach to sociological research, emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence without abandoning the quest for theoretical understanding. His contributions have had a lasting impact on sociology, encouraging a more balanced and scientifically rigorous approach to studying social phenomena.

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