Robert King Merton was an American sociologist who is considered a founding father of modern sociology, and a major contributor to the subfield of criminology. He served as the 47th President of the American Sociological Association. He spent most of his career teaching at Columbia University, where he attained the rank of University Professor. In 1994 he was awarded the National Medal of Science for his contributions to the field and for having founded the sociology of science.Merton’s contribution to sociology falls into three areas: (1) sociology of science; (2) sociology of crime and deviance; (3) sociological theory. He developed notable concepts, such as "unintended consequences", the "reference group", and "role strain", but is perhaps best known for the terms "role model" and "self-fulfilling prophecy". The concept of self-fulfilling prophecy, which is a central element in modern sociological, political, and economic theory, is one type of process through which a belief or expectation affects the outcome of a situation or the way a person or group will behave. More specifically, as Merton defined, "the self-fulfilling prophecy is, in the beginning, a false definition of the situation evoking a new behavior, which makes the originally false conception come true".Merton's concept of the "role model" first appeared in a study on the socialization of medical students at Columbia University. The term grew from his theory of the reference group, the group to which individuals compare themselves but to which they do not necessarily belong. Social roles were central to Merton's theory of social groups. Merton emphasized that, rather than a person assuming just one role and one status, they have a status set in the social structure that has, attached to it, a whole set of expected behaviors.
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Some of their strengths
Robert K. Merton has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Intuitive, Loyal, Altruistic, Imaginative, Creative, Compassionate, and Intense.
Intuitive and Imaginative
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Robert K. Merton is someone who is a highly intuitive, creative and imaginative person who is very loyal, caring and compassionate to others. A person who is known for being diligent and strong.
Charming and Sophisticated
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Robert K. Merton well know them as someone who can be classy, glamorous, and worldly, like jewelry.
Organized and Achievement-oriented
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Robert K. Merton as someone who is organized, goal-oriented, practical, and persevering.
Who is hardworking, intellectual, and easygoing, who loves higher education and learning and sharing ideas with others, and who loves healthy competition.
Perceptive and Visionary
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Robert K. Merton is someone who has a natural awareness about what is going on in the surrounding environment and the world at large, and a refined vision of how to navigate it.
They are also someone who is balanced, stable, and energetic, who likes the idea of home and family, and who is very comfortable being the person in charge.
Traditional and Patient
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Robert K. Merton tends to be someone who is a patient person that is very emotional, has a very sharp memory, has an ability to understand people, and who tends to be traditional and frugal.
Some of Robert K. Merton's challenges
While Robert K. Merton has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Robert K. Merton can be Callous, Sensitive, Emotional, Standoffish, Rebellious, Emotionally Distant, and Selfish.
Emotional and Standoffish
One of Robert K. Merton's key challenges is that they are someone who can be emotional and standoffish.
Robert K. Merton must also exercise caution as they can be excessive and unrealistic.
Callous and Selfish
Robert K. Merton is someone who can be standoffish, pessimistic, and ruthless, who can have difficulty concentrating and be impatient, can have difficulty discovering the keys to personal contentment, and who can have a tendency to overwork and hoard wealth and possessions.
Sensitive and Money-oriented
Finally, Robert K. Merton also can have mood swings, be overly sensititive, and be a bit rigid and materialistic.
