Robert King Morten

ROBERT KING MERTON
Robert King Merton was born in Meyer

Robert Schkolnick; 4, 1910. He was an
American sociologist who is considered a
founding father of modern sociology, and a
major contributor to the subfield of
criminology. He served as the 47th President
of the American Sociological Association.
Merton completed his undergraduate studies
at Temple College for undergraduate work
and postgraduate studies at Harvard
University, where he eventually earned his
doctorate degree in sociology in the year
1936. He was died in Feb 23, 2003 New
York City, USA.
His famous Books:
1. Sociology of Crime & Deviance
2. Sociology of Science
His Contribution to Sociology
1. Theory of Functionalism
2. Strain Theory & Deviance Typology
3. Types of Strain
1. Theory of Functionalism
Merton dismissed the idea of organic analogy but maintained the
essence of functionalism. Functionalism is a image of society as a
whole composed of parts that work together. Merton used the term
"functions" to refer beneficial consequences of action. Functions help
to keep a group, society and social system in balance. In contrast,
dysfunctions are consequences that harm a society. They undermine a
system's equilibrium.
Types of Functionalism
1. Dysfunction
2. Non-function
3. Latent function & Manifest function
4. Net balance
1. Dysfunction
Merton considered it important to note that one social fact can
possibly have negative consequences for another social fact. From
this, he developed the idea of dysfunction.
2. Non-function
Merton argued that not all parts of modern, complex society work
for the functional unity of society, that some values and customs
may not be functional for society as a whole (or even for groups
within society), and that some aspects of social organization may
not be necessary.
3. Latent & Manifest function
Functional consequences that are not intended or recognized by the
members of a social system in which they occur are called Latent
function.
The functions of a type of social activity that are known to and
intended by the individuals involved in the activity are called
Manifest function.
The concept of manifest and latent functions were
developed by a sociologist named Robert Merton. Manifest
Functions are the apparent and intended functions of institutions in
society. Latent Functions are the less apparent, unintended, and
often unrecognized functions in social institutions and processes.
4. Net Balance
To help people determine whether positive functions outweigh
dysfunctions, and vice versa, Merton developed the concept of net
balance. It is possible for some social or cultural items to have
functions for some groups within a social system and not for
others. Instead, Merton offered a “provisional assumption” that
widespread and persisting Sociocultural forms have a “net
balance” of positive over negative consequences.
2. Strain Theory & Deviance Typology
 This theory was developed by Robert King Merton. This
theory covers functionalist perspective.
 Strain refers to frustrations or dissatisfaction.
 Deviance: Violation of social norms.
 Social Value: Basically social values mean standards set by
the society of what is favorable and what is adverse.
 In this theory, social value means Cultural Goals and
Institutionalized means.
According to Merton, social inequality can sometimes create
situations in which people experience a strain between the goals
they should be working towards (such as financial success) and
the legitimate means they have available to meet those goals.
These strains can then pressurize individuals into committing
crimes. Every member of society tries to be successful and
society motivates us to achieve our cultural goals through legal
ways which are approved by the society. Strain refers to
frustrations or dissatisfactions people feel when they don't
achieve their goals and they find their way towards success
blocked. Many people keep on working hard and even if they
are not able to achieve their desired cultural goals, they choose a
different goal that can be achieved but they do not follow the
path of Deviance. This level is known as conformity. But many
people after feeling a condition known as anomie (feeling of
formlessness) become deviant. The term Anomie was coined by
Classical Sociologist Emile Durkheim.
Merton argued that individuals in the lower rung of society can
respond to this strain in a number of ways. Different goals and
different access to the means to achieve those goals combine to
create different categories of deviance.
Merton theorized five type of Deviance.
Goal Means
Conformist + +
Innovator + -
Ritualism - +
Retreatism - -
Rebellion +- +-
1. Conformity : The acceptance of the cultural goals and means of

attaining those goals.
2. Innovation: The acceptance of cultural goals but a rejection of the
traditional or legitimate means of attaining those goals.
3. Ritualism: The rejection of cultural goals but the acceptance of the
means for achieving the goals.
4. Retreatism: The rejection of not only the cultural goals but also
the traditional means of achieving said goals.
5. Rebellion: A form of Retreatism in which, in addition to a
rejection of both cultural goals and means of achieving them, one
tries to replace both with different goals and means.
3. Types of Strain
Strains of two types:
 Structural - this refers to processes at the societal level that
filter down and affect how an individual perceives their
needs.
 Individual - this refers to the frictions and pains experienced
by an individual as they look for ways to satisfy individual
needs.

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ROBERT KING MERTON

Robert King Merton was born in Meyer

1. Conformity : The acceptance of the cultural goals and means of

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