Merton as Social Psychologist: Non-Logical Action, Sentiments, and Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

• In Event: 024 - Regular Session. Correcting the History of Sociology: Du Bois, Odum, Parsons, and Merton

Abstract

Robert K. Merton gained renown as one of the most distinguished sociologists in the U.S. during the 20th century, especially in connection with functional analysis. This paper calls attention to another side of Merton, his social psychology. I will argue that from the time of his doctoral training through the later stages of his career, Merton consistently pursued social psychological issues. In particular, he probed the effects of sentiments, non-logical actions and shared perceptions (including racial, ethnic and religious prejudice)on group life. Some of these formulations (e.g., the self-fulfilling prophecy) remain influential even today. An appreciation of the social psychological dimension of Merton's work will therefore enrich the historical understanding of sociology in the United States.

Author

• Lawrence T. Nichols, West Virginia University