Robert Merton was an influential American sociologist, born on July 4, 1910, and known for his contributions to the field of sociology. He introduced key concepts such as anomie, role models, and self-fulfilling prophecy, which have shaped the understanding of social behavior and structures. Merton's work emphasized the importance of social context in shaping individual actions and societal outcomes. Merton received the National Medal of Science in 1994 for his significant impact on social science. He also developed the strain theory, which explains how societal pressures can lead individuals to engage in deviant behavior. His theories continue to be relevant in contemporary sociological research and discussions.