What refers to the acceptance of cultural goals and means of attaining those goals?

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According to Robert K. Merton's theory of deviance, which of the following accepts cultural goals but rejects the institutionalized means to reach them? 

Possible Answers:

Retreatrist  

Rebel 

Ritualist

Innovator

Conformer

Explanation:

According to Robert K. Merton, individuals can be categorized an individual's level of deviance based upon the amount of anomie present in their lives. Merton defined anomie as a state of normlessness that  occurs when cultural goals are disjointed from the institutionalized means used to reach them. In this manner, Merton theorized that individuals can either accept or reject these norms and means. He categorized them using the provided table. It is important to note that those who fail to acknowledge cultural goals and institutionalized  means may introduce new goals and means. This is known as rebellion.

In the question, a person who accepts cultural goals and rejects institutionalized means would be an innovator. 

All of the following are considered functionalist approaches to the study of deviance except __________.

Possible Answers:

cultural deviance

social disorganization theory

none of the other answer choices

power elite theory

strain theory

Correct answer:

power elite theory

Explanation:

Power elite theory is an approach within the conflict theory school of deviance, and is not considered a functionalist approach. The other three options — strain theory, social disorganization theory, and cultural deviance — are functionalist approaches to explaining deviance in society.

Conflict Theory argues that deviance is caused by __________.

Possible Answers:

adhering to the prevailing lower-class social norms or mores

 social and economic factors, most notably systemic inequality or injustice

the negative reactions people's behaviors can cause in others

none of the other answer choices

weak social ties and the absence of social control in a community

Correct answer:

 social and economic factors, most notably systemic inequality or injustice

Explanation:

Conflict theory argues that deviance is caused by social and economic factors, most notably systemic inequality or injustice. Cultural deviance theory argues that deviance is caused by adhering to the prevailing lower-class social norms or mores. Social disorganization theory argues that asserts that deviance is most likely to occur in communities with weak social ties and the absence of social control. Labeling theory argues that deviance is caused not so much by individuals or their behavior, but by the negative reactions behaviors can cause in others.

All of the following are likely members of the power elite except a __________.

Possible Answers:

lawyer

doctor

banker

janitor

politician

Explanation:

The power elite refers to the small group of people at the top of society with access to all the power and resources. Doctors, Lawyers, Bankers, and Politicians would all be members of the power elite. 

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American sociologist Dr. Robert Merton is considered by many scholars as one of the founding fathers of modern sociology. Dr. Merton is best known for coining the phrases “role model” and “self-fulfilling prophecy” which has become common terms in American culture.

Anomie

Dr. Merton expanded on the work of French sociologist Émile Durkheim on anomie with his theory on deviance and social strain.

Anomie in the simplest terms is a lack of social or ethical norms in an individual or group.

When Dr. Merton was developing his theory on deviance, he analyzed American culture, structure, and anomie. Dr. Merton believed that all United States citizens believed and strived for the “American Dream”; however, the ways in which citizens obtain the “American Dream” of success are not the same, simply because not all citizens have the same opportunities and advantages.

Dr. Merton believed that this leads to deviance in achieving the “American Dream” by some who turn to illegal activity while still believing in the dream of success but using illegal means to obtain the dream by such activity as illegal drug dealing to achieve financial success. Dr. Melton also suggested that for some they drop out of society becoming drug addicts or drifters realizing the “American Dream” is unattainable for them and this can lead to deviant behavior.

Dr. Merton expanded research on anomie in his deviance theory, is widely used today in criminology when studying Strain Theory.

Robert Agnew on Strain Theory and the American Society for Criminology

Merton’s Deviance Criteria

“A cardinal American virtue, 'ambition,' promotes a cardinal American vice, 'deviant behavior.” ….Robert K. Merton

Dr. Merton believed there are two criteria that promote deviant behavior.

1. A motivation of the person to adhere to cultural goals.
2. A person’s belief in how to obtain these cultural goals

Dr. Merton believed that there are five types of deviance based on his criteria:

1. Conformity: Is when the person or group accepts cultural goals and the means of attaining them.
2. Innovation: The person or group accepting cultural goals; however, they reject the traditional and/or legitimate means to obtain cultural goals. An example would be organized crime families. They believe in the “American Dream”; however, use illegitimate and illegal means to obtain these goals.
3. Ritualism: Involves the person or group rejecting cultural goals but accepting the traditional and/or legitimate means to obtain cultural goals.
4. Retreatism: Is the rejection of both the cultural goals and the traditional and/or legitimate means to obtain cultural goals.
5. Rebellion: Is when the person or group rejects both the cultural goals and the traditional and/or legitimate means to obtain cultural goals. An example would be Outlaw Motorcycle Club culture in which they reject society cultural goals and the traditional and/or legitimate means to obtain cultural goals by replacing both elements with their own goals and ways to achieve these goals.

The strain that society places on achieving the “American Dream”, leads to deviance according to Dr. Merton theory. There are plenty of examples of Dr. Merton’s theory in today’s news headlines with criminal cases involving banking investors, politicians, organized crime, etc. The need for greed to achieve the “American Dream” has caused many too intentional break laws to achieve financial success.

Merton’s Legacy

Sadly, Dr. Merton passed in 2003, but his legacy lives on through his criminology work that he has left us with anomie and strain theory.

The challenge for today’s criminologist continues through scientific research for a better understanding as to the causes of crime in our society so that policy-makers, mental health professionals, and law enforcement leaders have current information to help make our society safer.

About the Author: Mark Bond worked in law enforcement and has been a firearms trainer for more than 29 years. His law enforcement experience includes the military, local, state, and federal levels as a police officer and criminal investigator. Mark obtained a BS and MS in Criminal Justice, and M.Ed in Educational Leadership with Summa Cum Laude Honors. As a lifelong learner, he is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in education with a concentration in college teaching. Mark is currently an assistant professor of criminal justice at American Military University.

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Who reject both the cultural goals and the accepted means of attaining those goals?

What is conformity in strain theory?

Which type of person accepts the cultural goals of society but rejects the conventional means?