Miriam wanted to be able to own a fancy car, so she attended college and became a physician. She could then afford to purchase her luxury automobile. Merton would argue that Miriam was using conformity to adapt to strain.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Merton's strain theory states that individuals experience strain or pressure when they are unable to reach their goals through legitimate means. The individual then adapts to this strain either by conforming to society's expectations or by deviating from them. In this case, Miriam conforming to society's expectations by attending college and becoming a physician in order to acquire the means to purchase a luxury car would be an example of conformity as an adaptation to strain.

Miriam Wanted to Be Able to Own a Fancy Car