Final answer:
Scarcity of resources refers to the situation where individuals lack enough means to deal with social demands. It emphasizes the dichotomy between limited resources and unlimited human wants, and it also highlights how scarcity impacts mental and emotional well-being. Merton's theory further discusses the social reactions to the lack of pathways to achieve goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept described in the textbook is related to scarcity of resources, which is when an individual lacks adequate means to deal with demanding social situations or environments. This scenario is a reflection of the broader economic and social theory that resources are limited but human wants and needs are virtually unlimited. An illustration of this scarcity is evident in individuals experiencing homelessness, as seen in figure 1.2, highlighting the gravity of resource scarcity and its impact on people's lives. Scarcity forces individuals to make choices and often to relinquish certain goods or services due to the insufficiency of resources at their disposal, showcasing the inherent challenge of managing limited means to fulfill various ends.
Furthermore, the psychological impact of being in such a condition is significant, as having to depend on others is both a mental and physical strain. Merton's theory outlines how individuals respond to the discrepancy between socially accepted goals, like financial independence, and the lack of socially accepted pathways to achieve these goals. In this context, scarcity affects not only the physical state but also the mental and emotional well-being of an individual.