Robert Merton

Question 1

Middle Range Theories

Context

Answer 1

Criticism of Structural Functionalism(2):
* Parson’s SF->vague w/o empir
* Cant explain social conflict & social change

Question 2

Middle Range Theories

MR theory is in middle of

Answer 2

Chicago school(purely emp)
Harvard/Parsonian(purely abstract)

Question 3

Middle Range Theories

MR theories are(2)

Answer 3

• Abstractions built inductively
• Narrowly defined emp studies

Question 4

Middle Range Theories

Features

Answer 4

AG AGC
Assumptions->ltd;emp justified
No Single Grand f/w
Aim->fill sociological blanks
Grounded theory approach
Use Concepts which are operationalisable

Question 5

Functional postulates(3)

Answer 5

Functional unity(integration)
Universal Functionalism(all +ve fn)
Functional Indispensability(all instns are imp)

Question 6

Reformulation of Functional paradigm

Answer 6

Fnl unity->(Fnl Unity or Disunity)
Univ Fnlsm->(Eu,Dys,Non-fn @Indivl,subsys,sys level both latent,manifest fns)
Fn Indisp->(Structurally compatible functional alternatives)

Question 7

Manifest & Latent fns

What

Answer 7

Mani: intended, expected, observed conseq
Lat: unintended, unexp, unobserved conseq

Question 8

Manifest & Latent fns

Book

Answer 8

Social theory & social structure(1949)

Question 9

Manifest & Latent fns

Egs

Answer 9

Hopi tribes Rain dance
iphone
Herbert Gans: Poverty

Question 10

Deviance

Book

Answer 10

Social structure & anomie(1938)

Question 11

Deviance

Relative term(egs)

Answer 11

Masai tribe drinking cow blood
Teton Sioux Indians: Sun dance

Question 12

Deviance

Sequence

Answer 12

Disjunc bw cultural goals & structural means->Anomie->Adaptation->produces Deviance

Question 13

Deviance

Types

Answer 13

CI RRR
(means ends/goals):: class

Conformist(++)::middle/upper middle
Innovator(-+)::lowest
Ritualist(+-)::lower middle
Retreatist(–)::no particular
Rebellion(xx)::emergent

Question 14

Deviance

Deviance theories

Answer 14

Subculturation theory(Albert Cohen)
Labelling theory(Howard Becker)

Question 15

Deviance

Labelling theory(main pts)

Answer 15

• Deviance- socially constructed
• Moral entrepreneurs(media,politicians etc create rules & define deviance)
• Master status

Question 16

Deviance

Subculturation theory(main pts)

Answer 16

• Status frustration
• Formation of Delinquent subculture
• Many delinquent acts non-utilitarian(joyriding,vandalism)

Question 17

Deviance

Anomie: Durkheim vs Merton(parameters)

Answer 17

Defn
Cause
Consequence
Level of analysis
Temporality
Impacts/affects whom
Solution