Final answer:
Robert K. Merton was the American sociologist who agreed with Durkheim's theory that deviance is essential to the social structure of healthy societies, contributing to social change and reinforcing norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American sociologist who agreed with Émile Durkheim's theory that deviance is an integral part of all healthy societies was Robert K. Merton. Merton expanded on Durkheim's ideas of functionalism and developed his theory of structural strain theory, which also asserts the functional necessity of social deviance. He agreed with Durkheim's view that deviance plays a vital role in society by potentially leading to social change and reinforcing norms.
Émile Durkheim, a key figure in the foundation of sociology, emphasized that deviance is necessary for the successful functioning of society. Durkheim stated that by challenging the current views or affirming social norms, deviant behaviors contribute to the evolution and reinforcement of societal values and norms. He further believed that societal health and stability are maintained through a dynamic equilibrium, where all parts of society work together, and that deviance can trigger adjustments that help preserve this stability.