John desires the best things in life - a fast car, designer clothes, and membership in exclusive clubs. But rather than work his way through the system, he has discovered he can have all these things by selling crack cocaine in the inner city. How would Merton classify John?
A) a ritualist
B) a anarchist
C) a rebel
D) an innovator

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Merton's strain theory suggests that individuals who seek material success but are unable to achieve it through legitimate means become "innovators" and turn to illegal activities such as drug dealing to achieve their goals. John fits this description as he desires material success and turns to selling drugs as a means of achieving it.

John Desires the Best Things in Life - a Fast