De marginale mens

Samenvatting

'The marginal man' of R.F. Park and E.V. Stonequist ("The marginal man: a study in personality and culture conflict," In contributions to urban sociology, E.W. Burgess and D.J. Bogue, eds, Chicago, ill: 1964) originates where different cultures clash, where people live on the margin of two or more cultures or societies, not being accepted by either. This marginal position is characterized by uncertainty, but what it really means has never been made clear. In an attempt to put the problem of the marginal man into its structural context and referring to R.K. Merton's reference theory (Social theory and social structure, Glencoe: 1961), a model is proposed: within a social system with a relatively closed structure there are two or more dominant and subordinate groups, each having its own value systems. Through reference to the dominant value system and through anticipatory socialization members of the subordinate group futilely try to adapt themselves to the cultural pattern of the dominant group and to be received into its social structure. The aspirants become frustrated and uncertain, rejected by their own group for repudiating its values, yet unable to find acceptance by the group they seek to enter. They become marginal men, culturally prepared for a position they cannot obtain. A structural lag exists. Individual basic needs of security and stability are satisfied within the social environment, within the group that accepts the person. For the marginal man concept this means: (1) that within a relatively closed social structure aspirant membership shall not be rewarded for the time being; (2) that there is a discrepancy between structural reality and expectations rising from anticipatory socialization; (3) that feelings of security and certainty are being sapped; and (4) that marginal situations and marginal men must be distinguished; marginal situations may not always produce marginal men. Marginal situations are sociologically important. A marginal situation is hierarchically controlled and thus involves certain barriers. When those barriers cannot be bridged, a marginal situation may originate. Modified AA