para 2

• According to Merton, what causes deviance in society?


  Deviance is caused by a strain between cultural goals and legitimate means to achieve them.
• What cultural goal does American society particularly value?


  American society particularly values monetary success.
• How are Americans expected to pursue the goal of monetary success?


  By obtaining educational qualifications and working hard in a career.
• What does the ideology of the American Dream suggest about society?


  It suggests that society is meritocratic and opportunities are available for all who work hard.
• What is the reality that contradicts the ideology of the American Dream?


  Many disadvantaged individuals are denied legitimate opportunities to achieve success.
• What factors may block opportunities for ethnic minorities and lower classes?


  Poverty, inadequate education, and discrimination in the job market.
• What does Merton call the pressure to deviate from societal norms?


  The strain to anomie.
• Which social group is most likely to experience a rise in deviance according to Merton?


  Lower classes are most likely to experience a rise in deviance.
• What is rebellion in the context of Merton's theory?


  Rebellion is when individuals reject societal goals and means to create new ones.
• What are the five adaptations Merton identifies in response to strain to anomie?


  1. Conformity
  2. Innovation
  3. Ritualism
  4. Retreatism
  5. Rebellion
• Why is Merton's approach to deviance considered useful?


  It shows how social expectations and unequal access to resources can push people to deviant careers.