著者

小笠原 真

出版者

奈良教育大学

雑誌

奈良教育大学紀要. 人文・社会科学 (ISSN:05472393)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.41, no.1, pp.39-60, 1992-11-25

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In this paper I examine some major works of Robert K. Merton (1910- ), who is not only America's but also world's leading theorist of sociology. After a brief overview of Merton's life and achievements, I take up his concept of the "theories of the middle range", a concept which he advocated as a product of his critical reconsideration of the main achievements in sociology. I also consider Merton's methodology, particularly his "functional analysis", and his "Social Structure and Anomie" on which he concentrated with all of his youthful enthusiasm. Finally, I make a few critical remarks on Merton's theory.