influential theories related to deviance by Robert K. Merton. Firstly, the paper provides the historical context within which the theorist produced their ideas. Secondly, the paper provides a summary of their original theory. Thirdly, the paper provides a discussion of how the model has been critiqued and altered as new research has emerged. Lastly, the paper delves into the theory's current usage/popularity within criminology. The historical context within which the

Sociology: Changing Societies in a Diverse World (Fourth Edition) George J. Bryjak & Michael P. Soroka Chapter One Summary of Key Concepts Sociology is the field of study which seeks to "describe, explain, and predict human social patterns" from a scientific perspective. And though Sociology is part of the social sciences (such as psychology and anthropology), it is quite set apart from the other disciplines in social science; that is because it emphasizes

Coping Through the Use of Informal Institutions during COVID-19 in South Africa, Nigeria, and SwazilandChapter 1: IntroductionThe global outbreak of COVID-19 raises many concerns regarding how individuals and communities who live in African countries, with fragile health systems, cope with the pandemic. During past pandemics, individuals and communities in Africa have relied on customary practices and traditions, also commonly referred to as informal institutions (Moore, 2020). Informal institutions have continued

And it is those negative consequences that could, in the long-term, create alterations in those original basic values. Finally, there is Merton's self-defeating prophecy. Worry about being afraid of some consequence motivates people to take action before the problem exists. The non-occurrence of that problem they acted against, is not anticipated as a possibility. It is interesting to note here that it is not improbable that the reader of this