The sociologist who invented phrases like "role model" and "self-fulfilling prophecy"

Intro. Robert Merton is the father of sociology. But he was no boring academic whose books set off, in his readers, a sudden and irresistible desire to nap. He was a brilliant wordsmith and coined many phrases which are now part of everyday speech. You've used them too. Dig in:

Unintended consequences. When Australia made bicycle helmets mandatory in 1990, it led to worse health outcomes. The young stopped cycling(helmets are uncool). The benefit of fewer bicycle injuries was offset by the lost health benefits of cycling. Merton coined this phrase.

Reference Group. A person's behavior can be understood once you see what group they want to belong to. This is not the group they actually belong to, but rather the one they aspire to. This group acts as a "reference" and lens for all their decisions, thoughts, and behaviors.

Role model. The human psyche works by identifying itself with a certain heroic figure and then emulating him or her, and this tendency is perfectly captured in the term role model - coined by Merton. Humans, as apes, are the mimicry species - we need role models to mimic.

Self-fulfilling prophecy. Expectations shape reality. No spooky tricks are necessary - what we can visualize, we tend to achieve. The fear of a negative outcome turns into awkward inaction, which leads to the outcome you feared. Prophecies, Merton knew, are self-fulfilling...

Role strain. Humans are a social species and there are certain roles we are expected to play in society. These roles may be at odds with our true wishes. The tension between our authentic desire and the role we're supposed to play is "role strain."

Status Set. We are never one thing at any given point. For instance, a 28 year old woman may be simultaneously a wife, a daughter, a daughter-in-law, and a mother. This status set can put competing demands on her, leading to negotiation, compromise, and full blown conflict.

Matthew effect. A mysterious line in the Bible goes like this: "To those who have, more will be given. From those who do not have much, everything will be taken away." Merton noticed that this seemingly cruel line captures an important truth about the world...

If you have money, you can use it to make more. Once you have some academic citations, the growing popularity of your name gets you more citations. This is the Matthew Effect in action - advantage begets further advantage.

Often the most influential thinkers who those who coin sticky new concepts. Thomas Carlyle was one such man - he came up with words like "environment," "world-famous," and "self-help." Want to learn why and how? Read this two minute memo: Coined by Carlyle