Using the terms of Robert Merton's strain theory, which of the following concepts correctly describes the behaviour of a school "dropout" who rejects both cultural goals and the conventional means to reach them?
A) innovator
B) ritualist
C) retreatist
D) rebel

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Merton's strain theory, a person who rejects both cultural goals and the conventional means to reach them is a retreatist. This means that they completely detach themselves from society and give up on both the goals and the means to achieve them. They may turn to drugs or other forms of deviant behavior as a way to cope with their feelings of alienation and despair. The other options do not fit this behavior, as an innovator would accept the goals but find alternative means to reach them, a ritualist would continue to adhere to the conventional means despite losing sight of the goals, and a rebel would reject the goals but try to create new ones with new means.

Using the Terms of Robert Merton's Strain Theory, Which of the Following