Papers on "Merton's Theory" and similar term paper topics

Paper #097889 :: Merton's Theory
Buy and instantly download this paper now

This paper looks at how Robert Merton explains deviance in sociological terms.

Written in 2007; 1,138 words; 1 source; MLA; $ 39.95

Paper Summary:

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."

Tags: social structure anomie conflict theory culture

More papers on "Merton's Theory"

1. Paper #072035 :: Criminal Theory ( 1,808 words; 3 sources; APA )
2. Paper #108589 :: Robert Merton and Social Structure ( 1,500 words; 4 sources; APA )
3. Paper #092244 :: Durkheim and Merton's Criminology ( 1,243 words; 4 sources; MLA )
4. Paper #011100 :: Probing and Evaluating Illicit Behavior ( 2,625 words; 5 sources; )
5. Paper #026614 :: White Collar Crime Theories ( 3,879 words; 10 sources; MLA )

About AcaDemon

We have thousands of high-quality term papers, research papers, essays, book reports and dissertations on every topic. At AcaDemon, you can download those term papers to help you write yours! You can be sure that the term paper, essay, book report or research paper, you download are top-quality, competitively priced and high-level work.

Look for more research papers, essays and book reports on Merton's Theory

This Free Term Paper Abstract is a part of our Term Paper Library. Here you can purchase research papers, examples of essays, academic dissertations, articles, notes, analytical papers, book reports, stories and poems. We have thousands of persuasive, point-of-view, narrative, critical, compare and contrast and other types of essays in our Library. You can also find here Term papers on "Merton's Theory", Essays on "Merton's Theory", Research papers on "Merton's Theory", Student papers on "Merton's Theory", Book reports on "Merton's Theory", Dissertation on "Merton's Theory", Thesis on "Merton's Theory", Summary of paper on "Merton's Theory", Articles written on "Merton's Theory".