Critics of Merton's structural strain theory note that Merton
A) doesn't emphasize conformity enough.
B) ignores the ways in which people shape their definitions of the world about them.
C) ignores the fact that not all deviance stems from gaps between goals and means.
D) ignores the ways in which people shape their definitions of the world about them and ignores the fact that not all deviance stems from gaps between goals and means are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Merton's structural strain theory focuses on the relationship between social structure and deviance, arguing that deviance is caused by a gap between culturally defined goals and the legitimate means to achieve them. Critics of the theory argue that it ignores the ways in which people shape their definitions of the world about them and the fact that not all deviance stems from gaps between goals and means.

Critics of Merton's Structural Strain Theory Note That Merton