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

• 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
1

Background: Who is 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?
• 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
3
(Hollander, 2003)

Major Contributions to Sociology and it’s Key Points
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
4
(Hollander, 2003)

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

Major Contributions to Sociology and it’s Key Points
Beneficial Consequence
In WWII, may battles took place on or near a shore.
The sinking battleships created a permanent home to the creatures of the sea as it acted as an artificial coral reef.
A cannon on land firing at a battleship in the sea has one intention…
6
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
• 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
Drugs Invention Mafia
8
(Hollander, 2003)

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

Relevance today: Importance of Robert K. Merton
11
• 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)

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/robertKMerton.html>.
Holton, Gerald. Robert K. Merton. 4th 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-K-
Merton>.