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According to Robert K. Merton's theory of deviance, which of the following accepts cultural goals but rejects the institutionalized means to reach them? Possible Answers: Innovator Rebel Retreatrist Conformer Ritualist Explanation: According to Robert K. Merton, individuals can be categorized an individual's level of deviance based upon the amount of anomie present in their lives. Merton defined anomie as a state of normlessness that occurs when cultural goals are disjointed from the institutionalized means used to reach them. In this manner, Merton theorized that individuals can either accept or reject these norms and means. He categorized them using the provided table. It is important to note that those who fail to acknowledge cultural goals and institutionalized means may introduce new goals and means. This is known as rebellion.  In the question, a person who accepts cultural goals and rejects institutionalized means would be an innovator. All of the following are considered functionalist approaches to the study of deviance except __________. Possible Answers: cultural deviance social disorganization theory none of the other answer choices power elite theory strain theory Correct answer: power elite theory Explanation: Power elite theory is an approach within the conflict theory school of deviance, and is not considered a functionalist approach. The other three options — strain theory, social disorganization theory, and cultural deviance — are functionalist approaches to explaining deviance in society. Conflict Theory argues that deviance is caused by __________. Possible Answers: the negative reactions people's behaviors can cause in others social and economic factors, most notably systemic inequality or injustice adhering to the prevailing lower-class social norms or mores weak social ties and the absence of social control in a community none of the other answer choices Correct answer: social and economic factors, most notably systemic inequality or injustice Explanation: Conflict theory argues that deviance is caused by social and economic factors, most notably systemic inequality or injustice. Cultural deviance theory argues that deviance is caused by adhering to the prevailing lower-class social norms or mores. Social disorganization theory argues that asserts that deviance is most likely to occur in communities with weak social ties and the absence of social control. Labeling theory argues that deviance is caused not so much by individuals or their behavior, but by the negative reactions behaviors can cause in others. All of the following are likely members of the power elite except a __________. Possible Answers: janitor politician banker lawyer doctor Explanation: The power elite refers to the small group of people at the top of society with access to all the power and resources. Doctors, Lawyers, Bankers, and Politicians would all be members of the power elite. All Sociology ResourcesRobert K. Merton, an American sociologist, borrowed Durkheim's concept of anomie to form his own theory, called Strain Theory. It differs somewhat from Durkheim's in that Merton argued that the real problem is not created by a sudden social change, as Durkheim proposed, but rather by a social structure that holds out the same goals to all its members without giving them equal means to achieve them. It is this lack of integration between what the culture calls for and what the structure permits that causes deviant behavior. Deviance then is a symptom of the social structure. Merton borrowed Durkheim's notion of anomie to describe the breakdown of the normative system. Merton's theory does not focus upon crime persay, but rather upon various acts of deviance, which may be understood to lead to criminal behavior. Merton notes that there are certain goals which are strongly emphasized by society. Society emphasizes certain means to reach those goals (such as education, hard work, etc.,) However, not everyone has the equal access to the legitimate means to attain those goals. The stage then is set for anomie/strain. Merton presents five modes of adapting to strain caused by the restricted access to socially approved goals and means. He did not mean that everyone who was denied access to society's goals became deviant. Rather the response, or modes of adaptation, depend on the individual's attitudes toward cultural goals and the institutional means to attain them. The conformist is the most common mode of adaptation. Such individuals accept both the goals as well as the prescribed means for achieving the goal. Conformists will accept, though not always achieve, the goals of society and the means approved for achieving them. Innovators accept societal goals but have few legitimate means to achieve those goals, thus they innovate (design) their own means to get ahead. The means to get ahead may be through robbery, embezzlement or other such criminal acts. Ritualists, the third adaptation, abandon the goals they once believed to be within their reach and thus dedicate themselves to their current lifestyle. They play by the rules and have a daily, safe routine. Retreatists, the fourth fifth adaptation is given to those who give up not only the goals but also the means. They often retreat into the world of alcoholism and drug addiction. These individuals escape into a nonproductive, nonstriving lifestyle. The final adaptation, that of rebel, occurs when the cultural goals and the legitimate means are rejected. Individuals create their own goals and their own means, by protest or revolutionary activity.
What theory makes reference to cultural goals?According to Merton's strain theory, societal structures can pressure individuals into committing crimes. Classic Strain Theory predicts that deviance is likely to happen when there is a misalignment between the “cultural goals” of a society (such as monetary wealth) and the opportunities people have to obtain them.
What theory makes reference to cultural goals and institutionalized means to achieve them quizlet?According to strain theory, society socialize their members in the desire and cultural goals. Many people are in able to achieve these goals and socially except always thought is, by institutionalized means.
What are cultural goals and institutionalized means according to Merton's strain theory?Strain Theory of Deviance
Strain theory, developed by sociologist Robert Merton, posits that when people are prevented from achieving culturally approved goals through institutional means, they experience strain or frustration that can lead to deviance.
What is Merton's theory called?Strain theory is a sociology and criminology theory developed in 1938 by Robert K. Merton. The theory states that society puts pressure on individuals to achieve socially accepted goals (such as the American dream), though they lack the means.
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