Question

According to Robert Merton, innovation is a mode of adaptation when cultural goals are _________ and institutionalized means are _________.

• A. accepted, rejected
• B. rejected, accepted
• C. accepted, accepted
• D. rejected, rejected

Hint:

Merton's innovation occurs when individuals find alternative ways to achieve societal goals after rejecting traditional methods, such as in cases of criminal behavior or non-conventional approaches to success.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding Merton's Strain Theory.
Robert Merton’s Strain Theory explains how society's goals and means can create strain, leading to different modes of adaptation. Innovation occurs when individuals accept cultural goals but reject or modify the accepted means to achieve them.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) Correct, in Merton's model, innovation occurs when individuals accept society’s cultural goals (such as success) but reject the traditional, institutionalized means of achieving them, often resorting to alternative methods.
- (B) Incorrect, this would describe ritualism, where individuals reject goals but still adhere to the means.
- (C) Incorrect, this would describe conformity, where both goals and means are accepted.
- (D) Incorrect, this would describe retreatism, where both goals and means are rejected.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct answer is (A) accepted, rejected.