What is the Thomas Theorem of Sociology?

The Thomas Theorem has been used to explain economic behavior.

In 1928, the sociologist W.I. Thomas formulated a statement which later became known as the Thomas Theorem: "If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences." Thomas also contributed the phrase "definition of the situation," meaning that whatever counts as real in any given situation is the result of a consensus reached by the parties. Together these statements were absorbed into a general theory known in the social sciences as the social construction of reality.

Interpretations

The formulation of the Thomas Theorem is ambiguous. It could mean, "The consequences of a situation follow from how it is perceived, not the way it really is," or "The power to define a situation includes power over its consequences." It also could simply mean, "Beliefs have consequences, regardless of whether they are true." Whether Thomas was referring to self-fulfilling prophecies, or expressing skepticism about the existence of an objective world; depends on how the statement is interpreted.

Examples

Many of the examples given in support of the Thomas Theorem are from economics. Speculative bubbles, bank runs, and other kinds of self-reinforcing economic behavior -- feedback loops -- all can be seen as examples of perception creating its own reality.

Influence

The Thomas Theorem influenced a generation of sociologists; such as Peter Berger, Robert Merton, and Thomas Luckman. In his work, "The Social Construction of Reality," Berger applied Thomas' ideas to social and political institutions, religious ritual, and language. Merton expanded on the Thomas Theorem in his work on unintended consequences and self-fulfilling prophecies.

Criticism

Criticism of the Thomas Theorem has been offered by Frank van Dun. If the theorem means, "The consequences of a situation being believed to be true are the same as if it is actually true," it is false, because one can't create or negate a reality by wishing for or denying it. If it means, "The consequences of a situation are real no matter how well it is defined," it is trivial because that reduces to the aphorism, "Get real."

References

• Rothbard Institute; The Meaning and Relevance of the Thomas Theorem; Frank von Dun; 2003
• "The Thomas Theorem and the Matthew Effect"; Robert Merton; Columbia University; 1995
• The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge"; Peter Berger; Anchor Books; 1966