Question

Robert Merton’s typology of deviance outlines the strain that people experience as they attempt to access cultural goals through legitimate, institutionalized means. In which of the following categories would gangsters and con artists be found

Answer 1

Gangsters and con artists fit into Robert Merton's 'Innovation' category of deviance, where individuals pursue goals like wealth through illegitimate means when they lack opportunity via legitimate channels.

Step-by-step explanation:

Rober Merton's typology of deviance, specifically the strain theory, addresses the tensions people experience as they attempt to attain culturally approved goals via institutionalized means. Gangsters and con artists would be classified under Merton's category of Innovation.

These individuals pursue culturally accepted goals, such as wealth and success, but do so through illegitimate, often criminal means, because they lack the opportunity to achieve these goals through legitimate paths due to their circumstances.

Individuals involved in these activities adapt by rejecting the conventional means of attaining success and opting to innovate through deviant methods, including illegal activities.

Their behavior exemplifies an adaptive strategy in response to a gap between societal goals and the access to the means of achieving them, which highlights a crucial aspect of the strain theory.

Answer 2

Innovation is the correct answer.

Robert Merton was an American sociologist who believed in the disjuntion between socially approved means to achieve cultural goals. So, he created five modes of combinations of goals and means, such as conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreating, and rebellion. He suggested that innovation was the one that could be associated with crime the most since it used unapproved (or unconventional) means to achieve goals or financial security. For instance, we find gangsters, drug dealers, thieves, and con artists in this category.