Worry about being afraid of some consequence motivates people to take action before the problem exists. The non-occurrence of that problem they acted against, is not anticipated as a possibility.
It is interesting to note here that it is not improbable that the reader of this can place himself or herself in several of these situations and, therefore, see the accuracy, and the depth and complexity of Merton's postulations and conclusions.
Manifest and latent functions were first defined by Merton for the science of sociology. He was attempting to focus on the conceptual practices employed in a functional analysis. Functional analysis is the study of the individual elements of a functioning societal structure such as its customs, traditions and institutions. As Herbert Spencer, a 19th century English philosopher and sociological theorist, described it: a common analogy would be that the interrelated parts of society would be regarded as "organs" that work toward the proper functioning of the "body" as a whole.
Merton explained that manifest functions are the consequences that individuals either observe or anticipate. That consequence is specifically stated and understood by all participants in the action. He used the American Indian rain dance as an example of a manifest function of which the desired and intended outcome is rain and that is understood by all participating.
Latent functions are ones that are neither recognized nor intended. If we use Merton's example of the rain dance, the latent function might be to reinforce the "group identity" by providing a periodic occasion for the random and scattered members of a particular group to come together and engage in a common tradition or activity (Merton, 1957, pp. 60-69).
Berger, 1963, lists examples of the difference between manifest and latent functions. Christian missions in Africa manifest a consequence of converting the heathen natives to Christianity, while in a latent consequence, perhaps, destroying the ancient tribal cultures. Another example Berger gives is the Communist Party control over all segments of life in Russia having a manifest consequence of ensuring the continuance of its own party's dominance. Latently, it creates a new rich, fat-cat bureaucracy which is ever-more disinclined toward the very principles of self-denial upon which the party was founded (Berger, pp 40-41).
Merton emphasized attention to the latent functions as more important to and increasing the understanding of society than manifest functions. In his usual common sense manner of deductive reasoning, he concluded that the distinction between the two tends to force the science of sociology to look beyond the reasons individuals state for their actions or for the existence of tradition or custom, and tends to push them to explore other social consequences that allow a custom to become a custom, for instance.
Strain Theory (Theory of Deviance)
Social deviance interested Merton to a great extent. His "strain theory" argues that deviant, or anti-social behavior, up to and including felony crimes, is not caused solely by any sudden shift in social status or social change of a general nature. More, Merton said, deviant activity is caused by a society that held out goals such as wealth and power to all, but does not give all of society equal means, like jobs and education, to attain those goals.
Strain, to Merton, refers to either the societal system-level practices that cascade down and have an impact on how a person recognizes his or her needs, or it means the pressures and frustrations an individual feels when they attempt to acquire satisfaction for their needs. So that, an individual may focus more on actually attaining those needs rather than on the methods used.
Crime aspires to increase in the...
Criminology Robert Merton was the brain behind Anomie Theory. This theory majors on deviance. The theory's major preoccupation is why rates of deviance differ from one society to the other and from one subgroup that come from one society to the other. Merton's work emphasizes cultures' unifying aspects and how it can create deviance and disunity within a society. Cultural norms, according to this theory, break down as a result of
Merton stops short of addressing the core social institutions, values, and structures that reinforce anomie but his essay prompts sociologists to postulate which structures or value may be culprits. The author does offer three "success prototypes" extant in American culture. First, all Americans are encouraged to strive for the same goals and those goals are believed to be possible for all. Second, any stumbling blocks along the way will soon
Thus creative accounting becomes a way to justify the means -- because showing a profit will generate more profit, and gain the firm social esteem and more investors, being unethical in the supposedly 'short run' seems acceptable in the eyes of the firm's employees. People go along with it because it is accepted in the culture of the firm. All of these are examples of how the social structure of
By the 1980s, theories had begun to swing the other way again, with doubts being cast on the relevance of aggregate social strain theories (Bernard 1987). Even social strain theorists were finding new and more individualistic and specific features within the theory (Agnew 1985). In the past two decades, social strain theory has continued to be attacked by some as an antiquated and invalidated method for explaining subversive and criminal
Whether the notion of the futility of war played any role in his joining the Trappists is debatable but may have had an impact on his sensitive mind. (Graham); (King, 121); (Royal, 36) The study of Thomas Merton's conversion to Catholicism is undoubtedly one of the most captivating ones in modern Christian history and has fascinated many people not only in the Christian world but even amongst other communities worldwide.
The action was successful and gave them control over the island. The victory encouraged Gillmore to order another attack, this time on Wagner. He ordered the troops to bomb by land and sea. Robert immediately sent out pickets to complement with whites in other regiments. Early on July 16, 54th companies fought with members of 10th Connecticut. A force of Confederate attacked the picket line but the 54th persisted
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