Sociological theories of the middle range are a set of theoretical frameworks that seek to explain and predict patterns of social behavior and relationships. These theories are often referred to as "middle range" because they fall between the grand, abstract theories of society, such as functionalism and conflict theory, and the specific, empirical observations of social behavior.
One of the key features of middle range theories is that they are grounded in empirical data and seek to explain specific social phenomena, rather than offering broad, general explanations of society as a whole. These theories often draw on a variety of data sources, including surveys, experiments, and case studies, to develop and test their hypotheses.
One example of a middle range theory is symbolic interactionism, which focuses on the way that people create and interpret symbols and meanings in their interactions with others. According to this theory, people's behavior is shaped by their understanding of the symbols and meanings that are attached to social objects and events. This theory has been applied to a wide range of social phenomena, including gender roles, family relationships, and organizational behavior.
Another example of a middle range theory is exchange theory, which explains social behavior in terms of the exchange of rewards and costs. This theory suggests that people are motivated to engage in social interactions because they expect to receive some sort of reward, such as social status or material goods, in exchange for their efforts. Exchange theory has been applied to a variety of social situations, including market exchanges, political negotiations, and social relationships.
Middle range theories can be valuable tools for understanding and predicting social behavior because they offer a more nuanced and specific understanding of social phenomena than grand theories. They can also be more easily tested and refined based on empirical data. However, it is important to recognize that middle range theories are limited in their scope and may not be able to fully explain complex social phenomena or the broader structure of society.
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Again, according to Merton, middle-range theory involves abstractions, of course, but they are close enough to observe data to be incorporated in propositions that permit empirical testing. It allows sociologists to find a way through the big abstract picture of society that does not allow any research. Because its referents are so diverse including everything from minor working hypotheses, through compre hensive but vague and unordered speculations, to axiomatic systems of thought-use of the word often obscures rather than creates under standing. Secondly, sociology enables one to develop a sense of appreciation for the diversities that are found in a set of people. Two Benefits Of Sociology: Sociology, Culture, And Society 1474 Words 6 Pages It allows one to understand hoe the society fits together and the consequences that might arise when the community is affected by social change. However he agreed with Talcott Parson that narrow empiricism cannot arrive at successful theory. Theory of middle-range is not a new theory, it has swellstablished roots.
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Merton admits that tendencies towards fragmentation in Sociology have indeed developed, but this is scarcely a result of working towards theories of intermediate scope. In my life, there are forces that I do and do not know of, but either way they still affect my behavior and the decisions I make, helping to form my sociological imagination. Merton makes a statement on this book, Throughout this book, the term sociological theory refers to logically interconnected sets of Propositions from which empirical uniformities can be derived in is way, Marlon emphasized on that theorists must invest their energies in the construction of limited number of theories based on research. One theory may explain one element of society better than another. I can now understand the way that some of my actions and beliefs have been affected by the world that I live in. Many findings eventually seem to agree with common sense. This theory has been supported directly or indirectly by Bacon, Plato, and Mill, and also some sociologists such as Hawkins, Ginsberg.
