Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 129 words written
Opening · a definition
Variables are those changing parameters present in the Society which leads to a Social process involving social change.
Body · points and prose
As Society moves from Traditional to Modern there is a change in the Nature of variables which changes the nature of Society.
Family: Joint Family -> Nuclear
Culture: Particularistic -> Universal
Economic: Feudal -> Capital
Political: Monarch -> Democracy
Social System: Diffuse -> Self.
R.K. MERTON'S VARIABLES
1] Culturally driven goals are those objectives which are set by the Society for the individual to attain a Social status.
2] Structurally available Means are those ways which are available for the individual to attain the Goals.
3] The Mismatch in these variables leads to deviant behaviour like Innovatist, Ritualist, Retreatist & Rebellion.
Close · a summary
Variables helps the researcher to understand the working of Society.