The theory of the middle level - this sounds somewhat strange: you might think that sociologists have "descended" to this level from certain heights. In historical retrospect, it looks something like this.
The largest American sociologist Robert King Merton (1910-2003) believed that the search for a universal social theory was meaningless. And such a theory will be forgotten, as will the many comprehensive philosophical systems of earlier eras.
Enemy of Versatility
“Apocalyptic and irrelevant” Merton called all attempts to construct a general sociological theory in the 40s of the 20th century that could guide researchers into the mainstream of vital problems. Academic philosophers of the 19th century have always claimed to create concepts that completely cover the picture of the world. American sociologists, adherents of one or another philosophical school, understood their task in the same way.
Another path that Merton has chosen is the attempt of sociologists, not based on any one philosophical doctrine, to acquire new knowledge in much the same way as natural sciences do. But on this path, scientists lurk errors. There were pros and cons, there was a polarization of opinions about mid-level theories in sociology.
Theory properties
It is curious that Merton believed: mid-level theories do not deny, but develop classical traditions. Referring to the ideas of Durkheim and Weber, he proposed to pose theoretical questions before sociology.
Sociological authorities - Marx, Parsons, Sorokin - remain as some general orientations. Merton does not leave behind their teachings the role of a “single guiding” system or concept.
Robert Merton listed the main features of mid-level theory:
- consist of a limited number of provisions;
- unite in other extensive theoretical systems;
- abstract - work in different areas of social behavior and social structure;
- contain a methodology for studying microsociological and macrosociological processes;
- ask exact questions regarding unknown processes in the social sphere.
Samples of sociology "mid-level"
Does empirical research have any theoretical perspectives?
Merton’s answer: “a fact not supposed in the research process forces us to create a theory. The“ serendipity ”model is that an anomalous event as a by-product of the study can lead to a new hypothesis. Incompatibility of data stimulates curiosity and forces sociologists to put forward new hypotheses.”
Robert Merton, who abandoned the constructions of "universal sociology", was fascinated by the creation of new connections between empirical developments and theoretical constructions, the very concept of a middle-level theory. These are theories of reference groups and deviant behavior, social conflict, social mobility. These are precisely the sociological theories of the middle level of Merton.
Great merit belongs to the American sociologist in the study of local and cosmopolitan types of "significant" people, the structure of social influence.
Merton's observations of propaganda in film and radio during the Second World War are interesting. The result of his thoughts: the role of propaganda should not be exaggerated. For example, the Nazis became convinced how unsuccessful it was when it contradicted real events.
Self-fulfilling prophecy
One of the very interesting ideas is the concept of "self-fulfilling prophecy."
As Merton wrote, the theorem of W.A. Thomas says: if many people define events as real, then their consequences will also be real.
The sociological parable that Merton recounts as an illustration is as follows. In 1932, a rumor arose about the insolvency of the New National Bank. The "black environment" has arrived. Excited investors tried feverishly to "save" their property. But the bank was initially solvent! And only a false definition of the situation made his bankruptcy real. The prediction led to its implementation.
It was in the implementation of a certain type of predictions that Merton saw the cause of racial, ethnic, and several other conflicts in America.
The idea of "self-fulfilling prophecy" emphasizes the responsibility of sociologists in putting forward new hypotheses and theories. The point is that the conclusions of sociologists will be able to push, provoke, force to implement social programs and actions. A false definition of a situation can provoke people's behavior in which the situation becomes true.
Intellectuals in the state bureaucracy
Should sociologists turn to the study of their own social group? After all, there was a lot of effort aimed at studying various social and professional groups in society. And this has already yielded positive results. Criminal persons, unemployed, working people, military men - all groups of society can be described in the theory of the middle level.
However, “it’s good to start with order in your own home,” Merton says. For example, what is the role of an intellectual in public service? The main research gap, according to Merton, is the lack of necessary data.
Who is an intellectual? Apparently, one whose activity is devoted to the development and formulation of knowledge. This concept refers to a social role, and not to the personality as a whole. There are independent intellectuals, and there are recruits to the state bureaucracy.
Intellectuals, in their own way, understanding the role in government, consider themselves experts in the field of information for innovations. What leads them to frustration in the bureaucratic system? And how do politicians and intellectuals differ?
The hypotheses and ideas of Robert Merton in this regard deserve special attention. He suggested that we carefully study why significant sociological results do not always attract the attention of politicians. And why the intellectual experiences euphoria, refusing to participate in bureaucratic processes.
Russia and Merton
Robert Merton welcomed the publication of his works in Russian: his articles were published in the 60-90s. Unfortunately, Merton did not live only a few years before the publication in 2006 of the Russian translation of his large book, Social Theory and Social Structure.
Parents of Robert Merton (father - Schoolboy) in 1904 emigrated from Russia. And until 1910, when he was born in Philadelphia, a not so long time passed.
The creator of mid-level theories, Merton argued (in a completely "comprehensive" way - in the spirit of classical philosophy): "History can make stereotypes obsolete."