Robert K. Merton

It begins with a false definition of a situation that prompts behavior making the original belief come true. Merton's classic discussion appeared in a 1948 essay and used examples involving institutions such as banks.

Strain develops when a society strongly promotes cultural goals but distributes legitimate means of reaching them unequally. Merton identified responses including conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion.

He wanted theories broad enough to explain recurring social patterns but focused enough to test empirically. This approach sat between isolated descriptions and all-encompassing systems such as those associated with Talcott Parsons.

Manifest functions are intended and recognized consequences of a social practice. Latent functions are unintended or unrecognized consequences, such as a ceremony strengthening group ties beyond its stated purpose.