Willie is from a poor home and dreams of becoming a doctor. He wins a full scholarship and is able to afford university; he graduates at the top of his class. In strain theory terms, what is Willie?
A) a ritualist
B) a conformist
C) a retreatist
D) an innovator

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Willie is a conformist because he has embraced the societal goals of becoming a doctor and has found a legitimate means to achieve that goal (through his scholarship and hard work). He has not rejected the goals or the means, nor has he pursued illegitimate means to achieve his goals, making him a conformist according to strain theory.

Willie Is from a Poor Home and Dreams of Becoming