Robert Merton sees deviance as the result of the lack of balance between what society puts up as its goals and the means at the disposal of people to reach those goals.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement accurately reflects Merton's theory of strain theory, which posits that individuals experience strain or stress when they are unable to achieve the goals that society considers important, due to a lack of access to legitimate means of achieving those goals. This can lead to deviant behavior as people seek alternative means of achieving their goals.

Robert Merton Sees Deviance as the Result of the Lack