We can use the following formula for the sample size n:
n = (Zα/2+Zβ)2 * (p1(1-p1)+p2(1-p2)) / (p1-p2)2,
where Zα/2 is the critical value of the Normal distribution at α/2 (e.g. for a confidence level of 95%, α is 0.05 and the critical value is 1.96), Zβ is the critical value of the Normal distribution at β (e.g. for a power of 80%, β is 0.2 and the critical value is 0.84) and p1 and p2 are the expected sample proportions of the two groups.
Robert Merton is one of the founders of functionalism (Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons are the other two). In the book Social theory and social structure (1957, New York: Free Press), he provided five general guidelines for the study of deviance:
1-describe the specific form of deviance being studied
2-identify the range and type of alternatives excluded by the dominant pattern of deviance
3-assess the meaning of the deviant activity for those involved
4-discern the motives for conforming to or deviating from a particular dominant interaction pattern
5-describe patterns not recognised by participants but that appear to have consequences for the particular individuals involved and /or other patterns or regularities in the wider social context.
Mate swinging is a topic researched by researchers who prefer functionalist perspective. According to them, mate swinging helps sustain sentimental bonds of marriage by providing participants an opportunity to release their sexual fantasies for an evening or weekend.
Classical studies:
Walshak, M. L. 1971. “The emergence of middle-class deviance subcultures: the case of swingers”. Social Problems 18: 488-495
Denfield, D. and M. Gordon 1970. ‘'The sociology of mate swapping”: Or the family that swing together clings together” Journal of Sex Research 6: 85-100
