Question

Natalie obtains a Ph.D. in criminology and decides that her passion is not research or teaching, both of which are professions that are usually pursued by those with a Ph.D. She instead pursues a career as a police officer. Which of the following best describes Natalie's occupation?

a) Deviant
b) Anomie
c) Outsider
d) Merton's strain theory

Answer 1

Natalie's choice to become a police officer despite having a Ph.D. in criminology would best be discussed in the context of Merton's strain theory, acknowledging her individual decision related to career goals and means.

Step-by-step explanation:

Natalie, who obtained a Ph.D. in criminology but chose to become a police officer, would not be described as deviant, experiencing anomie, or an outsider. Instead, her career choice could potentially be discussed in the context of Merton's strain theory, which deals with the discrepancies between socially acceptable goals and the means available to achieve them. While Natalie's decision may appear unconventional considering her educational background, it doesn't inherently involve deviance according to sociological definitions, nor does her choice reflect a disconnection from social norms (anomie) or position her as an outsider within the context of her new profession.