Robert K. Merton

Sociology 101 Final ProjectProfessor Din

December 2010

American Sociologist1910-2003

Sociology 101

December 2010

Anonymous (Names should go here)

Contents…

11

•Background: Who is Robert K. Merton?

•Major Contributions to Sociology and Key Points

1.Dysfunctions

2.Unanticipated consequences

3.Theory of deviance

•Relevance today: Importance of Robert K. Merton

Meet Robert K. Merton22

•Born Robert King Merton – July 4, 1910 in

Philadelphia

•Educational Background

•South Philadelphia High School

•Temple University (1927-1931)

•Harvard University (1931-1936)

(Holton, 2003)

Background: Who is Robert K. Merton?

Robert K. Merton - Educator

•Professor of Sociology at Harvard University until 1938

•Professor / Chairman of Sociology at Tulane University until 1941

•Professor of Sociology at Columbia Univeristy until 1979

33

(Hollander, 2003)

Background: Who is Robert K. Merton?

Concept of Dysfunction44

What is Dysfunction?

•Sociologically, it is defined as a consequence of a social

practice or behavior pattern that undermines the stability of

a social system

•Merton strongly emphasized its existence

•Must recognize the dysfunctional aspect of institutions

•Helps explain the development and persistence of

alternatives

(Hollander, 2003)

Major Contributions to Sociology and it’s Key Points

55

Unanticipated Consequences•Crucial innovation to the field of Sociology•Unanticipated consequences

•Actions that have both intended and unintended consequences. •Requires sociological analysis. •Can be both negative and beneficial.

ExampleAsprinUsed most commonly as pain reliever

Unanticipated consequence is that asprin is also an anti-coagulant which can help reduce the risk of a hear-attack.

(Encyclopedia Britannica. 2010)

Major Contributions to Sociology and it’s Key Points

66

More Examples

In WWII, may battles took place on or near a shore.

A cannon on land firing at a battleship in the sea has one intention…

SINK IT!

Beneficial Consequence

The sinking battleships created a permanent home to the creatures of the sea as it acted as an artificial coral reef.

Negative Consequence

The oil from the battleships pollute the ocean water. It can lead to environmental hazards and lead to the death of many species.

(Holton, 2003)

Major Contributions to Sociology and it’s Key Points

Theory of Deviance88

•Everyone applies and subscribes to this “American Dream” in

one way or another

•How do you plan on obtaining and reaching your “American

Dream”?

•This leads to deviance

Working Drugs Invention Mafia

(Hollander, 2003)

Major Contributions to Sociology and it’s Key Points

Theory of DevianceChart

99

(Encyclopedia Britannica. 2010)

Major Contributions to Sociology and it’s Key Points

Why Is Merton Important Today?

1111

•Studied and brought about advancement in the responses in

social behavior

•Studied social regulation and deviation

•Developed notable concepts

•Unintended Consequences

•Role Strain Theory

(Holton, 2003)

Relevance today: Importance of Robert K. Merton

Hollander, Jason. "Columbia News ::: Renowned Columbia Sociologist and National Medal of Science Winner Robert K. Merton Dies at 92." Columbia

University in the City of New York. 06 Mar. 2003. Web. 13 Dec. 2010. <http://www.columbia.edu/cu/news/03/02/robertKMerton.html>.

Holton, Gerald. Robert K. Merton. 4th ed. Vol. 148. American Philosophical Society, 2003. PDF.

"Robert K. Merton." Encyclopedia Britannica. 2010. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 13 Dec. 2010 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/376454/Robert-K- Merton>.

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