Robert Merton states that human appetites, or desires, are natural. They are not created by cultural influences in the United States, as in other capitalist societies.

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Robert Merton's theory of strain suggests that cultural influences and societal expectations play a significant role in shaping individuals' desires and aspirations. He argues that while human desires may be natural, the emphasis on success and material wealth in capitalist societies such as the United States creates a cultural pressure to achieve these goals, leading to deviant behavior when individuals are unable to attain them through legitimate means.

Robert Merton States That Human Appetites, or Desires, Are Natural