Robert Merton points out that people remember Abraham Lincoln, one of America's great heroes, as frugal, thrifty, and sparing, yet they describe these same traits differently when a member of a racial or ethnic minority possesses them. Merton suggests that a Japanese American might be described as stingy, miserly, and penny pinching. What explains this double standard?
A) Because of historical change, standards of behavior that were considered appropriate in Lincoln's time are now looked down upon.
B) Lincoln was miserly, but remembered differently because American textbooks are not permitted to say negative things about presidents.
C) Lincoln was a truly remarkable individual who acted in these ways selflessly, something everyday people can't hope to do.
D) Lincoln was following his conscience; people who act in these ways today are responding to peer pressure.
E) Lincoln was a part of the in-group of those who disparage the Japanese American, a member of the out-group.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Merton's theory of the self-fulfilling prophecy suggests that people's expectations of a particular group can influence their behavior and ultimately reinforce those expectations. In this case, Lincoln is remembered positively despite demonstrating behavior that would be negatively perceived in others because he is a member of the in-group of white Americans. On the other hand, a Japanese American is viewed negatively for exhibiting the same behavior because they are seen as part of an out-group. This is an example of the impact of stereotypes and discrimination on the perception of behavior.

Robert Merton Points Out That People Remember Abraham Lincoln, One