Robert K. Merton

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Mertons social strain theory

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Robert Merton (1965)

Robert K. Merton (July 4, 1910 – February 23, 2003) was an American sociologist who is considered one of the founding fathers of modern sociology. His contributions to the field include the theories of the social structure, the sociology of science, and the study of social norms. Merton is perhaps best known for coining the terms "self-fulfilling prophecy" and "role model." His work has had a profound impact on the study of sociology, influencing both theoretical frameworks and empirical research.

Early Life and Education

Robert King Merton was born Meyer Robert Schkolnick in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to immigrant parents from Eastern Europe. He changed his name at the age of 14, adopting "Robert Merton," which he felt was a more Americanized name. Merton attended Temple University for his undergraduate studies, where he developed an interest in sociology and social sciences. He went on to pursue graduate studies at Harvard University, where he was influenced by notable sociologists such as Talcott Parsons and Pitirim Sorokin.

Career and Contributions

Merton's career spanned several decades, during which he held academic positions at several prestigious institutions, including Harvard University and Columbia University. At Columbia, he became a full professor and was instrumental in developing the sociology department into one of the leading programs in the world.

One of Merton's significant contributions to sociology is his theory of social structure, which examines how societal structures influence behavior and interactions within a society. He also developed the concept of anomie, building on the work of Émile Durkheim, to describe a state of normlessness where social norms are unclear or conflicting.

In the sociology of science, Merton explored the social processes that affect scientific knowledge and the development of scientific innovations. He introduced the concept of the Matthew effect in science, which describes how prominent scientists often receive more credit than lesser-known researchers, even if their work is similar in quality.

Merton's concept of the self-fulfilling prophecy is another significant contribution, describing how a false belief or prediction can lead to its own realization through the behavior it induces in people. This concept has been widely applied in various fields, including economics, psychology, and education.

Legacy

Robert K. Merton's work has left a lasting legacy in the field of sociology. His theories and concepts continue to be a foundation for research and study in the discipline. Merton received numerous awards and honors for his contributions, including the National Medal of Science in 1994.

Merton's influence extends beyond sociology, impacting areas such as organizational theory, communication studies, and the philosophy of science. His interdisciplinary approach has helped bridge gaps between sociology and other fields, making his work relevant to a broad audience.

Selected Works

Some of Merton's most influential works include:

• Social Theory and Social Structure (1949)
• The Sociology of Science: Theoretical and Empirical Investigations (1973)
• On Theoretical Sociology: Five Essays, Old and New (1967)

See Also

• Sociological theory
• Structural functionalism
• Science and technology studies