Merton thesis

proper noun

A theory that significant developments in the modern world have a positive correlation with Protestant pietism, similar to Weber's link between success and the Protestant ethic.

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Meanings

proper nounthe Merton thesis
  1. human sciencesA theory that significant developments in the modern world have a positive correlation with Protestant pietism, similar to Weber's link between success and the Protestant ethic.

Origin

Proposed by Robert K. Merton in 1936.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

Merton thesis. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Merton%20thesis

MLA

“Merton thesis.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Merton%20thesis. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Merton thesis,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Merton%20thesis.

Source: Merton thesis on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.