Sneaky Ed wants to be part of the high school "in-crowd" by dressing with current fashions but lacks the money to purchase clothes. He solves his dilemma by breaking into a clothing store and stealing a new wardrobe. What social adaptation is this an example of?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Innovation refers to achieving societal goals through unapproved means. In this case, Ed aims to fit in with the "in-crowd" (a societal goal) by stealing clothes (an unapproved method), which exemplifies innovation according to Merton's strain theory.

Sneaky Ed Wants to Be Part of the High School