Robert Merton (1970 Nobel laureate)

Robert Merton was an influential American sociologist and a 1970 Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences. He is best known for his contributions to understanding social structures and their impact on behavior, particularly through his theory of the "self-fulfilling prophecy." This concept illustrates how expectations can influence reality. Merton also introduced the theory of "anomie," explaining how disconnection from societal norms can lead to deviant behavior. His work bridged sociology and economics, emphasizing the importance of social context in shaping individual actions and societal outcomes, fundamentally enriching our understanding of social dynamics.