Sociology / Unit 4 Soc 0466 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Thomas Theorem
Captions available
The idea
The Thomas theorem holds that situations defined as real are real in their consequences, whatever the underlying facts turn out to be.
In practice
A teenager labeled a troublemaker begins acting like one, living up to the label pinned on him.
Where people slip
The theorem is about consequences following definitions, not about beliefs being true.
Your place on the trail
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Builds on
Unlocks
- Nothing yet depends on this.
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