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SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1Robert King Merton (1910-2003)

Born in Philadelphia to poor immigrant parents; name not Merton

Spent most of his career at Columbia University

In 1994 Merton won the National Medal of Science, the nation’s highest scientific honor

Wrote more than 20 books and articles

MAIN CONTRIBUTIONS:

1. No Grand Theory, it’s premature

2. Emphasize Middle Range Theory, he created the term

3. Articles on the relationship between theory and research

$ In Chemistry and Biology no separate courses in theory and research

$ In Sociology – separate courses – Lehman, 3 courses with Theory in the title – 7 with Research Methodology in title

Merton Review

$ Theory and research work together

$ Theory can suggest areas for research

$ Theory can guide ongoing research

$ Theory can make sense out of different research results

$ Theory can help us to explain research results

$ Research results can create theory

$ Research results can elaborate the theory

$ Research can change the direction of theory

$ Research results can change the entire theory

4. FUNCTION:

Definition: Objective, observable consequences that lead to the adjustment of the social system

Thus we can discuss functions of: social roles, institutions (e.g., family, religion, economics, politics, education), norms, cultural patterns, values, crime, etc.

$ Manifest Functions – obvious and intended

$ Latent Functions – neither obvious or intended

$ Dysfunction – Those consequences that lessen the adjustment of the social system

5. Reference Groups –

$ any group or groups that people use to evaluate themselves and their own behavior, even if we are not a part of that group

$ our attitudes, values are shaped, in part, by our identification with these groups

$ we compare what we do in comparison with members of these groups, and thus are happy or sad

$ Example, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) – everyone else on social media has a better life, is smarter, funnier, more interesting, has more friends than you do

6. Role Set

$ status, a position in society

$ role, the behavior expected of a person who has a status

$ one status = one role

$ no insists Merton

$ variety of roles associated with one status

7. Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

$ a false definition of a situation causing a new behavior which makes the originally false definition come true

$ your belief brings about consequences that cause reality to match the belief

$ beliefs can actually change reality

$ false beliefs can actually change reality

Other Interests: Sociology of Science, Bureaucracy

7. Robert K. Merton

Social Structure and Anomie

Mode of Success Approved

Adaptation Goal Means

I. Conformity + +

II. Innovation + –

III. Ritualist – +

IV. Retreatist – –

V. Rebellion + +

– –

Key Ideas:

1. No Grand Theory

2. Middle Range Theory

3. Theory and Research

4. Functions

5. Reference Groups

6. Role Set

7. Self-fulfilling Prophecy

8. Social Structure and Anomie