Contemporary Theory

1
Contemporary Theory

• Merton and Conflict Theory

2
Robert Merton Parsons Studentfriendly critique

• Liberal response to "functionalism is
  conservative"
• Not all that exists is functional
• 1. universalism, unity, indispensability
• 2. manifest/latent
• 3. dysfunctional/nonfunctional
• 4. functional for whom?
• 5. Net-balance functional
• Social structure and anomie

3
Typology of Modes of Individual Adaptation
Modes of Adaptation Cultural Goals Institutionalized means
I. Conformity
II. Innovation -
III. Ritualism -
IV. Retreatism - -
V. Rebellion /- /-
Source Robert Merton, Social Theory and Social
Structure (Glencoe, IL Free Press, 1957), p. 140
4
Coser's Functional Theory of Conflict

• - Influence Weber and Simmel
• - Conflict can be functional
• - functional analysis of ability of system to
  accommodate conflict

5
Dahrendorf's Conflict Theory

• Critique of Parsons "Out of Utopia" (1958)
• ignores conflict
• cannot explain social change
• Weberian theory of political domination
• authorities and subordinates quasi-groups
• potential for collective action
• stability of collective identity
• resources
• leadership and organization
• society's ability to accommodate conflict

6
C. Wright Mills Power Elite

• - Authorities in each institution share interest
• - work together to maintain status quo
• - need for liberal reform

7
Conflict Theory Models of Interest Group Politics
Darhendorf's Non-elites
other factors
Authorities
conflict
change
Subordinates
other factors
8
Dahrendorf's Social System
-
Social and Political System
Ability to Accommodate "class" conflict

-
external threat
9
Mills' Elites
economic elites
cultural elites
social and political elites
10
Mills'Social System
-
Social and Political System
Ability to serve elite interests

-
external threat