Robert K Merton American Sociologist 1910 2003 Sociology

Robert K. Merton American Sociologist 1910 -2003 Sociology 101 December 2010 Anonymous (Names should go here) Sociology 101 Final Project Professor Din December 2010

1 Contents… • 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

Background: Who is Robert K. Merton? Meet Robert K. Merton • 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) 2

Background: Who is Robert K. Merton? 3 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 (Hollander, 2003)

Major Contributions to Sociology and it’s Key Points 4 Concept of Dysfunction 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 5 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. Example Asprin Used most commonly as pain reliever (Encyclopedia Britannica. 2010) Unanticipated consequence is that asprin is also an anticoagulant which can help reduce the risk of a hearattack.

Major Contributions to Sociology and it’s Key Points 6 More Examples Beneficial Consequence 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… 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 Deviance • Everyone applies and subscribes to this “American Dream” in one way or another • How do you plan on obtaining and reaching your “American Dream”? Working • This leads to deviance (Hollander, 2003) Drugs Invention Mafia 8

Major Contributions to Sociology and it’s Key Points Theory of Deviance Chart (Encyclopedia Britannica. 2010) 9

Relevance today: Importance of Robert K. Merton Why Is Merton Important Today? • 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) 11

Have A Good Day! Work Cited 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/robert. KMerton. html>. Holton, Gerald. Robert K. Merton. 4 th 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-KMerton>.