Question

Suppose that a society decides to save money by reducing funding for education and training. Then it finds that workers do not have the skills needed for jobs. Why did Robert Merton refer to this behavior as dysfunctional?

Answer 1

Because he made a mistake 

Answer 2

Robert Merton identified two important concepts in society: functions and dysfunctions.

Functions are the positive consequences of a particular action. These can be manifest (consequences people observe or expect) or latent (not recognized of intended). On the other hand, dysfunctions are those consequences that are negative, and which are unintended or unrecognized.

In this case, the initial action is to reduce funding for education and training. However, this has a negative consequence which is unintended: the fact that workers do not have the skills needed for the job. Therefore, the behaviour is dysfunctional.