MCAT® ExamPsychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of BehaviorHard
A sociologist studies a community where economic opportunities are scarce, leading to high unemployment and poverty. Despite these challenges, there is a strong sense of collective identity and mutual support among residents, with informal networks for sharing resources and childcare. According to Merton's strain theory, which of the following adaptations to strain is most evident in this community?
- ARetreatism
- BRitualism
- CRebellion
- DInnovation
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Rebellion
Rebellion involves rejecting both societal goals and legitimate means, but replacing them with new goals and new means. The community's rejection of conventional economic success (societal goal) and the creation of alternative support systems (new means and goals) aligns with rebellion, as they are actively trying to change the system, not just retreat or conform.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Retreatism involves rejecting both societal goals and legitimate means, and withdrawing from society (e.g., drug addicts, hermits). This community is not withdrawing; they are forming new social structures.
- B. Ritualism involves rejecting societal goals but adhering to legitimate means (e.g., working a dead-end job without hope of advancement). This community is not just passively following rules; they are actively creating alternatives.
- D. Innovation involves accepting societal goals (e.g., wealth) but rejecting legitimate means, instead using illegitimate means (e.g., crime). This community is not necessarily pursuing conventional wealth through illegitimate means.
Merton's Strain Theory: Rebellion
An adaptation to societal strain where individuals reject both the culturally defined goals and the legitimate means to achieve them, and instead seek to replace them with new goals and new means, often leading to social movements or countercultures.
- Rejects conventional goals (e.g., wealth).
- Rejects conventional means (e.g., education, job).
- Seeks to establish new goals and new means.
- Often involves collective action to change the system.
Memory trick: Conforming, Innovating, Ritualizing, Retreating, Rebellious.