| Papers [1-14] of 30 :: [Page 1 of 3] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 —> | Search results on "MERTON THEORY": |
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Merton's Theory, 2007.
This paper looks at how Robert Merton explains deviance in sociological terms.
1,138 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that instead of attributing deviant behavior to psychological or biological impulses, Robert Merton explains deviance in sociological terms. The paper explains that when the overarching values of a society, such as wealth, are emphasized more than normative patterns of behavior, deviance becomes a natural and common way to achieve goals that might otherwise be out of reach. The paper discusses how Merton's theory is concurrent with conflict theory. The paper notes the criticism of this theory but asserts that Merton's contributions to sociological theory are invaluable.
From the Paper
"Merton's argument depends on the existence of universally agreed-upon, socially sanctioned goals that are reinforced through social and cultural institutions. For example, the media promotes and reinforces the goals of financial success, slimness, and fame. These goals may be reinforced by family members and peers. Merton also claims that deviance arises when the society fails to provide significant impetus to follow the normative, acceptable means of attaining those goals. Anomie creates and even ironically normalizes deviance."
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Criminal Theory, 2004.
This paper answers two questions about Merton's theory of anomie and its theories of crime.
1,808 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 3 sources, APA, £ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Merton's theory of anomie and its relationship to criminal practice.
From the Paper
"The purpose of this report is to offer a critique of a criminology theory, specifically anomie and strain theory characterized by Akers and Sellers as reflective of the belief that some forms of social disorganization so impact upon individuals that social cohesion solidarity and integration are insufficient to eliminate crime and deviance. Anomie, also known as strain theory, proposes that social order, stability and integration are conducive to conformity, while disorder and the opposite of integration are conducive to crime and deviance."
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Robert Merton and Social Structure, 2008.
This paper looks at Robert K. Merton's theories regarding social structure and anomie.
1,500 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 34.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that according to the philosopher Thomas Hobbes, without social controls, because of humanity's biological impulses, life would be nasty, brutish and short. Although we as a society now reject Hobbes' mode of governance, many theorists of crime seem to adopt a similar line of analysis. The writer points out that they see crime as a product of the individual rather than society, and crime as having biological rather than sociological origins. However, the writer discusses that Robert K. Merton's theories of social controls and anomie give a persuasive example of how there is considerable evidence that some social structures exert a definite pressure upon certain persons in the society to engage in nonconformist rather than conformist conduct. The writer discusses how the social structure of a society, in this case, American society, sets certain norms, such as the norm of success. The writer concludes that it creates institutional norms, like the ideal that capitalist firms must quickly show a profit.
From the Paper
"Those who doubt the truth of this statement need look no farther than a college campus to see it in action. College students who might never have drank before attending school, or perhaps only had a glass of wine in private at family dinners and functions may feel pressured to drink to fit into the dominant social milieu. These students may not even enjoy drinking, and very likely know the logical consequences of drinking to excess, including sickness, the dangers of alcoholism, failing grades, and even overdosing. There is also the chance of engaging in foolish and regrettable behavior, and even putting one's self at risk for sexually transmitted diseases.
"The students have been made aware of the fact, by the school's administration, that it is illegal to drink until they are over the age of 21, and that alcohol is not permitted on campus."
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Durkheim and Merton's Criminology, 2007.
This paper looks at Emile Durkheim's and Robert Merton's theories of society and anomie.
1,243 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 29.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that both Robert Merton and Emile Durkheim regarded the concept of anomie as a central aspect of modern societies. The writer points out ,that in their view, anomie is a theoretical aspect which affects the rates and incidence of social deviance and criminal behavior in modern society. There are, however, differences between the two theorists. The writer notes that Durkheim sees anomie as arising mainly from radical changes in society; whereas Merton sees this situation arising from class and social stratification issues. This paper outlines these two theoretical stances in order to ascertain the degree to which these two theories see society and not the individual per se, as being the cause of criminal activities.
Outline:
Introduction
Durkheim and Anomie
Merton and Anomie
Conclusion
From the Paper
"In other words, Durkheim's interpretation of an imbalance in regulation means that the 'appetites' and desires of the individual in the society are unrestrained. In terms of his theory this creates a situation in which there exists a disparity between the objectives that are seen to be attainable and the means available to attain these objectives. There is therefore often a disparity between means and ends and this also creates a tension which allegedly increases criminal patterns. Therefore we could say that Durkheim saw that causes of crime as deriving from both personal and social causes, but mainly as a result of social and cultural forces and variables."
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Probing and Evaluating Illicit Behavior, 2001.
An analysis of the movie "Blow", focusing on a look at the main character of the movie and his actions, through Merton's strain theory and Gotredson's and Hirschi's self-control theory.
2,625 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 5 sources, £ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the movie "Blow" and applies the storyline of the movie to Robert Merton's strain theory, incorporates it with Gotredson's and Hirschi's self-control theory, and evaluates the strain theory using Aker's criteria. The paper outlines the true story that the movie is based on and discusses the "American dream" and the failure of some to attain it in legal ways.
From the Paper
"Blow is based on a true story about a man who gets involved with drug trafficking (Reynolds & Demme, 2001). When George Jung was a young boy he sees his parents fighting over money troubles. His dad had to file for bankruptcy and he decides that he will never struggle; he is going to be rich. After he graduates him and his friend Tuna move to California. In California he realized a whole different world, a world of beaches and drugs. To make money his girlfriend Barbara introduces him to Derek to purchase marihuana to sell. After a month of selling marihuana him and Tuna have made a lot of money. Dooley, an old friend from high school meets up with him and offers to help expand his business."
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White Collar Crime Theories, 2002.
An examination of the phenomena of white-collar crimes and theories of social deviance.
3,879 words (approx. 15.5 pages), 10 sources, MLA, £ 75.95
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Abstract
This research examines Michael Milken's white-collar crimes and corporate deviance in terms of sociologist Robert K. Merton's theory of deviance. The research sets forth the context in which Milken's behavior patterns lend themselves to analysis from Merton's perspective and then discusses how shifts in Milken's behavior since the exposure of his white-collar crime can be explained by Merton's views.
From the Paper
"Merton's conception of deviance is structured around the relationship between individual wants and needs on one hand and the ability to fulfill those wants, needs, and dreams on the other. According to Merton (25ff), the venue for fulfillment is society, and its class structure, institutions, cultural norms, and the position of the individual within the whole may facilitate, prevent, or retard fulfillment. Man, says Merton (195), "is to a very important degree controlled by his social relations to the instruments of production." Written and unwritten rules of engagement between individuals and between individuals and social institutions dominate life experience, such that social life amounts to life in a bureaucracy, with behavior assuming the character of ritual adherence to specific kinds of action."
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Robert King Merton, 2007.
An introduction to the life, works, influences, theories and insights of Robert King Merton, the founding father of American sociology.
2,549 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 10 sources, MLA, £ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the important works of Robert King Merton, one of the most influential structural-functional sociologists of all time. It discusses his background and life and then goes on to discuss his insights and theories and how they influenced sociological thinking. The paper also discusses some of the critics views on Merton's work.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background And Influences
Key Contributions
Frameworks
Criticisms
Insights
Conclusion
From the Paper
"In "Theories of The Middle Range", Robert Merton wrote "Perhaps sociology is not yet ready for its Einstein because it has not yet found its Kepler (Clark 83)." Einstein is easily recognizable as the pioneer of modern physics, but Kepler's work four hundred years earlier made Einstein's greatest discoveries possible. This analogy posed by Merton is particularly apt, because Merton's influence on sociology may be as important to later sociologists as Kepler's work was for Einstein. From a relatively meager beginning, Merton became one of the most respected sociologists, contributing a body of work that includes coining such phrases as the "self fulfilling prophecy" and "role model". In addition to these common phrases, Merton's work is the foundation for the modern fields of sociology and criminology."
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Criminology Theories, 2007.
This paper discusses four criminological theories and explanations for crime.
1,824 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews, in chronological order, four significant criminological theories - early biological theory as championed by Cesare Lombroso, ecological theory as made popular by the Chicago School, Merton's Economic Strain theory, and feminist criminological theory emphasizing a "gendered" approach to understanding crime - and illustrates how each succeeding theory was either indebted to the one before it or produced in response to the one which came before. Every bit as meaningfully, the paper takes a closer look at the social or intellectual trends/fashions which made it possible for new, divergent theories to achieve prominence even when pre-existing theories seemed unshakable in their primacy. Ultimately, the paper concludes that the field of criminology is fertile, evolutionary and ceaselessly dynamic.
Outline:
Abstract
Criminological Theories: The Emergence and Evolution of Four Theoretical Explanations for Crime
From the Paper
"Quite simply, whatever its shortcomings, early biological theory was a welcome respite from doctrinaire "free will" explanations of crime which had largely dominated the intellectual landscape up until the last quarter of the nineteenth century. In light of this fact, his work should be understood and appreciated within its historical context and not judged wholly by the criminological standards of today."
"Although his contribution to criminology was most welcome, it was not long before a number of academics began to call his findings into question. The most famous of all these dissenters was not an individual, per se, but a school. Specifically, criminologists in the Department of Sociology at the University of Chicago became the chief advocates of a new criminological theory known as ecological crime theory ..."
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Durkheim and Merton on Anomie, 2001.
An analysis of how two social theorists took the sociological theory in different directions.
1,410 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 6 sources, APA, £ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts social theorists? Emile Durkheim and Robert Merton?s views on anomie. It explains the origination of the term and how each man took the theory in a different direction, depending upon the time in which he lived.
From the Paper
"French social theorist Emile Durkheim coined the term ?anomie? in his book The Division of Labor in Society, published in 1893. He used anomie to describe the loss of norms that was occurring in society. Durkheim said that anomie is produced in times of rapid social change, when existing rules, habits, and beliefs no longer hold and alternatives have not yet been found."
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Subcultural Theories of Crime, 2004.
An assessment of the usefulness of subcultural theories in understanding crime and deviance.
1,631 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how subcultural theories provide an alternative view to the sociology of crime, by using the subculture of a particular social group to explain the acts of crime and deviance that are committed by the groups? members. It assesses the subcultural theories of crime and deviance, paying particular detail to sociological theory, including studies from the Chicago School of Sociology, Cohen, Merton, Cloward and Ohlin and Matza.
From the Paper
"Most of these studies are conducted by American sociologists and are consequently based on an American experience of society, which often appears inconsistent to British ways of life. Downes and Rock, however, argue that Matza?s theory is particularly applicable to the British context as British studies of delinquent subcultures, particularly with young people show that young delinquents were not in fact members of structured gangs, but they had become dissociated from mainstream society because they were uninterested in their long term future. Sociologists have however criticised Matza?s theory. Taylor Walton and Young argue that those who use the techniques of neutralisation do not challenge the dominant values in society."
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"The Intimate Merton, His life and His Journals", 2002.
An analysis of this autobiography written by Thomas Merton.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 1 source, £ 18.95
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Abstract
This paper will discuss Thomas Merton in his book "The Intimate Merton, His life and His Journals" and seek to understand the way that his life was affected by monastery life in the outside world. By analyzing these themes, we can see how Merton dealt with the politics of the world, as well as the nature of his dealings with his fellow monks in this relation. This paper will study these elements his life and seek to understand how he lived with his belief systems in this context.
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Thomas Merton, 2002.
A look at the charism of Thomas Merton and his work with the Catholic church.
2,150 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 7 sources, £ 56.95
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Abstract
This essay investigates the charism of Thomas Merton in the context of his work and the Catholic church. It touches on a host of issues, including the nature of his charism - including his gift for writing, teaching and communication - and how he employed this gift for building up the Catholic church, and spiritualism in general. A major theme investigated in the paper is the way in which Merton's charism made the message of Christ new, relevant and actual, and as such, how the hermit-writer led people of all types (except possibly the pietistic) to identify with him. We also investigate Merton's reaching out to the East, as he endeavored to stretch the bounds of his religion.
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St. Augustine, Thomas Merton and Plantinga, 1992.
Describes and compares the views of these religious thinkers on good and evil, God and war.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, £ 33.95
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From the Paper
"To St. Augustine, only material world objects (things which do not survive eternally like the spirit) create bad and sin. Spriritual matter (which survives eternally) is incapable of evil. Thomas Merton agreed that the secular and spiritual were intertwined and his theories and works moved between them with frequency. This report will discuss and analyze the theories and feelings of St. Augustine and Thomas Merton on the concepts of "good," "evil," and "God." Merton's concept of "war" will be tied in and also relevant theories and analysis from Plantinga. A conclusion will give a personal opinion of the three subjects and their validity.
Like Thomas Merton, St. Augustine lived in a time of crisis, although the crisis was mainly a spiritual one. It also involved the concept of secular political theories. At the time of St. ..."
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Thomas Merton, 2002.
Discusses this American Trappist monk's life and writings.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 5 sources, £ 22.95
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Abstract
His conversion to Roman Catholicism. His choosing a life of solitude and enterting the Trappist monastery as a monk. His concept of sacramental solidtude. Ability to listen to God. Detachment from material aspects of the secular world. His application of spirituality to world issues through his writings. His criticisms of contemporary religion.
From the Paper
"Thomas Merton (1915-1968), a Trappist monk of the Cistercian Abbey of Gethseman near Bardstown, Kentucky, was well-known for applying spirituality to world issues. During his college days at Columbia where he participated in political activism with communists, Merton converted to Roman Catholicism. At the age of 26 in 1941, he applied successfully to enter the Trappist monastery, a place of solitude that enabled him to connect with God for the next 27 years. In the midst of his solitude, he also sought to reach out to the secular world through his personal and spiritual writings (Webster 388-91).
One of the primary concepts of his writings is sacramental solitude. According to Merton, the desire to live one's life in solitude is a calling: "It is not a question of choosing solitude; it is she who has chosen me" (Merton, Courage 28). By ..."
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