Merton

Robert K. Merton was a sociologist who developed theories about how society and individuals interact, especially regarding social structures' influence on behavior. One key idea is that societal norms and expectations can shape what people do, often encouraging or discouraging certain actions. For instance, societal goals like success or wealth can motivate behavior, but if pathways to these goals are blocked, individuals might resort to different, sometimes less accepted methods. Merton also introduced concepts like "self-fulfilling prophecy" and "social roles," helping us understand how societal expectations influence individual and group actions within social systems.