How did Max Weber's ideas contrast with the principles of Structural Functionalism in the context of sociology?

Max Weber's ideas focused on understanding individual actions and the meanings behind them, which is different from Structural Functionalism that looks at society as a whole and how its parts work together. While Structural Functionalism emphasizes stability and the roles that institutions play in maintaining social order, Weber believed that social change and individual motivations were crucial to understanding society. For example, Weber's concept of "Verstehen" encourages researchers to interpret social actions through the perspectives of individuals, while Structural Functionalism would analyze how those actions contribute to societal stability. This contrast shows that Weber valued the subjective experiences of people, whereas Structural Functionalism prioritized the objective functions of social structures. Overall, Weber's approach highlights the importance of individual agency in contrast to the broader, more collective focus of Structural Functionalism.