THE WORKS OF BLAU,PETER,M - ANALYTICAL STRATEGIES, DEVELOPMENTS AND ASSUMPTIONS

This paper examines the fundamental theoretical approaches and researc h interests of Peter M. Blau by focusing upon three distinct stages in his work: exchange theory, status attainment theory, and macrostructu ral theory. A discussion of four general issues reveals various contin uities and transitions in these analytical strategies. The features ex amined are (a) research interests in social stratification, (b) invest igative strategies, (c) analytical focus and assumptions, and (d) micr o/macro units of analysis. It is argued that the three approaches rest upon different conceptions of society which, in respective order are the ''multilevel model of societal exchange,'' ''optimistic image of m odern, mass, industrial society,'' and ''guardedly optimistic image of modern differentiated society.'' Attention is directed to the importa nce of the status attainment phase for understanding other dimensions of Blau's work, the development of certain theoretical themes in his v arious analytical strategies, and the presence of a basic conceptual o pposition involving the role of values and structural forces in societ y which permeates much of his analyses.