The Veterans Administration was formed to provide needed services for those who had served in the military. Many have complained in recent years that VA employees seem more interested in following bureaucratic regulations than in serving the veteran. In Merton's typology of deviance, such behavior could be considered an example of:
A) conformity
B) rebellion
C) retreatism
D) ritualism

Question

The Veterans Administration was formed to provide needed services for those who had served in 	the military. Many have complained in recent years that VA employees seem more interested in following bureaucratic regulations than in serving the veteran. In Merton's typology of deviance, such behavior could be considered an example of:
A) conformity
B) rebellion
C) retreatism
D) ritualism

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In Merton's typology of deviance, ritualism refers to the behavior of individuals who strictly adhere to rules and regulations, even when these rules do not serve the intended purpose. VA employees focusing on bureaucratic regulations over serving veterans exemplify ritualism.

The Veterans Administration Was Formed to Provide Needed Services for Those