Introduction:

We have heard about Role Models around us a lot, but what actually is a Role Model?

What is a Role Model?

A role model is a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people.

The term "role model" is credited to sociologist Robert K. Merton, who coined the phrase during his career. Merton hypothesized that individuals compare themselves with reference groups of people who occupy the social role to which the individual aspires.

     

An example being the way fans will idolize and imitate professional athletes or entertainment artists. Although the term "role model" has been criticized as "outdated", the term and its associated responsibility remains prominent in the public consciousness as a commonly used phrase, and a "powerful presence" in the entertainment industry and media.

True role models are those who possess the qualities that we would like to have and those who have affected us in a way that makes us want to be better people. To advocate for ourselves and our goals and take leadership on the issues that we believe in. We often don't recognize our true role models until we have noticed our own personal growth and progress.