Sociology I · Topic
Robert K. Merton
Latent and manifest functions, conformity and deviance (anomie, strain), and reference groups.
70 UPSC Mains Sociology I questions on Robert K. Merton that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. 1. (a) Idea of functional indispensability
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017
Robert K. MertonTalcott Parsons
What is the importance of Merton's Middle Range Theory in sociology? Discuss critically.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2016–2024
Robert K. Merton
Explain the relevance of theory of Reference Group in understanding the life of an UPSC aspirant?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2021
Robert K. Merton
Robert Merton goes beyond the boundaries of traditional functionalism, and added to traditional ones his new insights. Elaborate.
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Robert K. MertonTheories and Agents of Social Change
How does Merton's neofunctionalism critique and reformulate the core assumptions of traditional functionalism?
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Robert K. Merton
Critically examine to what extent the concept of 'latent and manifest functions' evolved by Robert .K. Merton , has given greater 'significance and relevance' to the 'functional analysis' in understanding social reality .
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019
Robert K. Merton
What are variables? Illustrate some variables which Merton used in his analysis of deviance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Variables, Sampling and HypothesisRobert K. Merton
Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. (a) Discuss Merton's four institutional imperatives of science.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Robert K. MertonScience and Scientific Method
Critically examine R.K Merton's views on the contributions of research to the development of sociological theory.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Robert K. MertonScience and Scientific Method
Deviant behaviour : It is the reaction borne out of anomie - seen as a result of improper socialisation.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Robert K. Merton
What did Robert K. Merton mean by Manifest and Latent functions? Elaborate on the manifest and latent functions of the Indian competitive examinations in which a significant percentage of the young population participates.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Robert K. Merton
How can you use the concept of 'social class' to understand deviance in contemporary societies.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Robert K. MertonEquality, Inequality and Exclusion
UPSC mains answer transcription covering various sociological concepts.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Social MobilityRobert K. Merton
With suitable examples, explain how Conformity & deviance coexist in a society as propounded by R.K. Merton.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Robert K. Merton
Deviance is relative, wherein deviant today may be considered morally correct tomorrow. Do you agree? Give reasons.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Robert K. Merton
Dependency theories and the interactionist perspective on deviance.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Development and DependencyNon-positivist Methodologies
What are functions? Provide a functional analysis on globalisation.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Robert K. MertonTheories and Agents of Social Change
Distinguish between 'latent and manifest functions. Explain how has Robert K. Merton conceptualization of 'latent-manifest functions' contributed to the 'functional analysis.'
25 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
Robert K. Merton
To what extent does the concept of anomie, as formulated by R.K. Merton, provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the theoretical relationship between the nature of anomie and the various types of social deviations?
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Robert K. Merton
Explain with reference to Robert K. Merton's theory, how does the social structure Produce strain and lead to anomie and deviant behaviour?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Robert K. Merton
R.K. Merton goes beyond the boundaries of traditional functionalism and added to traditional one his new insights. Elaborate.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Robert K. Merton
Bring out the significance of reference groups in everyday life with suitable illustrations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Robert K. Merton
RKM's clarification and codification of functional analysis. Discuss
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Robert K. Merton
According to Robert K. Merton, deviance result not from pathological personalities but from the 'culture and structure of society itself'. Evaluate Robert K. Merton's 'middle range theory of deviance'.
25 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
Robert K. Merton
Discuss the utility of Max Weber's ideal type as a methodological tool. (e) Latent and manifest functions
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Robert K. MertonMax Weber
Compare Merton's concept of deviance with that of Durkheim's idea of anomie? How do they differ in explaining deviant behavior?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Robert K. MertonEmile Durkheim
Distinguish between positive and negative reference groups, with suitable examples. Also, discuss in detail the determinants of reference group as conceptualized by Merton in his reference group theory.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Robert K. Merton
Merton's theory of anomie, while influenced by Durkheim, is fundamentally distinct from Durkheim's original concept. Discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Robert K. MertonEmile Durkheim
"Merton's middle-range theory provides a useful link between theoretical concepts and empirical data". Do you agree with the statement? Substantiate your answer with examples.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Robert K. Merton
How does Merton's functionalist approach demonstrate greater flexibility and openness, making it capable of integrating the evolving dynamics, changes, and dysfunctions observed in society?
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Robert K. Merton