Question

According to strain theory, which of the types fits the following example: Joseph wants to have a big house and a fancy car, but he cannot afford college, and there is high unemployment in his neighborhood; so he decided to sell illegal narcotics.

a. Retreatists
b. Innovators
c. Ritualists
d. Rebels

Answer 1

Joseph fits the 'Innovator' type in Robert Merton's strain theory, as he pursues societal goals through illegal means due to the lack of conventional opportunities.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Robert Merton's strain theory, an individual's response to the gap between their goals and the means available can result in different forms of deviance. In the scenario provided, where Joseph wants to achieve wealth (a big house and a fancy car), but lacks the conventional means such as education and employment opportunities, and turns to selling illegal narcotics, this aligns with the Innovator type from Merton's strain theory. Innovators still embrace societal goals but reject the socially accepted means of achieving them, often resorting to unconventional or illegal activities to reach their ambitions.