![]() Hence sociology must have to reject mega theoretical constructs replacing them by middle range theories. ![]() The degree of abstraction is quite high when concepts are chosen to develop such theories therefore these kind of mega theories do not have much of relevance to understand the essence of social reality. They make an attempt to study every possible dimension of social reality that is not possible in the field of sociology. As a reaction to mega theories Merton advocates that these theories are highly speculative and do not correspond to the empirical realities. Subsequently he identified these theories as middle range theories. Instead of being concerned about mega speculations that there is a social system where there is exchange, negotiation, convergence, consequently control and integration sociology must look into the actual problems and issues related to empirical situations.ĭuring 1960s in America, political corruption, ethnic conflict, deviant behavior was largely manifested and Merton took interest in studying them and explained all the emergent conditions using simply designed theoretical frameworks. The social theories should be coming out of facts to explain the facts in a systematic manner. Hence sociological theories should be fact driven. Rather theories are developed in sociology to arrange the empirical facts in a consolidated manner. Sociological theories cannot afford to be rogue, unrealistic, jargon focused and simply logical. His theory advocates that theory building in sociology should not be governed by intellectual aggression or academic speculation. Middle range theories of R.K Merton came as rejection of mega theory of Parsonian sociology. This and Paul Lazarsfeld influenced Merton to occupy himself with middle-range theories. He was heavily influenced by Pitirim Sorokin who tried to balance large-scale theorizing with a strong interest in empirical research and statistical studies. Robert King Merton was a distinguished sociologist perhaps best known for having coined the phrase "self-fulfilling prophecy." He also coined many other phrases that have gone into everyday use, such as "role model" and "unintended consequences".
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