Robert Merton identified five ways in which individuals respond or adapt to selective blockage of access to opportunities among those variously located in the social structure. An adaptation whereby the individual rejects both the goals of society as well as the legitimate means to attain them is called ___________. This mode of adaptation is most likely to be chosen when the socially approved means are perceived as being unlikely to result in success and the conventional goals are seen as unattainable; it becomes an escape device for such people.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mode of adaptation described in the question is retreatism, in which an individual rejects both the goals of society and the legitimate means to attain them. This is likely to occur when the socially approved means are perceived as unlikely to be successful and the conventional goals are unattainable. Conformity involves accepting both the goals of society and the legitimate means to attain them, while ritualism involves rejecting the goals of society but accepting the means to attain them. Rebellion involves rejecting both the goals of society and the legitimate means to attain them, but with the intention of replacing them with alternative goals and means.

Robert Merton Identified Five Ways in Which Individuals Respond or Adapt