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Sociology Optional PYQ Solutions · Model answer

To Robert Merton, deviant behaviour is a result of anomie. Analyse his sociological theory of deviant behaviour, with special reference to his formulation of types of deviance.

  • UPSC 2009
  • Sociological Thinkers

Robert K. Merton ("Social Structure and Anomie", 1938; Social Theory and Social Structure, 1957) moved the explanation of deviance away from biology and personality towards social structure. He asked how structures press particular people into nonconforming conduct, and answered with anomie: the breakdown of norms when culture and structure pull apart.

You are reading the opening of the model answer. The full answer is part of Sociology Optional PYQ Solutions.

What the full answer covers

  • Building blocks of the theory
  • The typology of individual adaptations
  • Analysing the typology
  • Critiques
  • Conclusion

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