A socioeconomically disadvantaged teenager decides that she must resort to crime in order to buy some clothes she wants. This teenager's behavior illustrates __________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The teenager's behavior illustrates innovation as the individual is attempting to achieve socially approved goals (buying clothes) through unconventional means (resorting to crime) due to limited access to legitimate opportunities. This concept is explained by Robert Merton's strain theory which suggests that individuals faced with societal expectations and limited access to opportunities may resort to deviant behavior in order to achieve success.

A Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Teenager Decides That She Must Resort to Crime