Booklet 2

• What are the five responses to the goals of success according to Merton?

  • Conformity
  • Innovation
  • Ritualism
  • Retreatism
  • Rebellion
• What does conformity mean in Merton's theory of success?

  It means accepting the goals of success and the legitimate means to achieve them.
• How does innovation differ from conformity in Merton's responses to success?

  Innovation involves accepting the goals of success but using illegitimate means to achieve them.
• What is ritualism in Merton's theory?

  Ritualism is when an individual abandons the goals of success but still accepts the legitimate means.
• What does retreatism entail according to Merton?

  Retreatism involves abandoning both the goals of success and the means to achieve them.
• How does rebellion differ from the other responses in Merton's theory?

  Rebellion involves rejecting conventional goals and means and replacing them with new ones.
• What is cultural deprivation in Cohen's theory?

  • Inferior norms and knowledge
  • Lack of exposure to educational opportunities (e.g., museums, theatre)
• What does educational underachievement refer to in Cohen's theory?

  It refers to not having the resources needed to achieve educational goals.
• What is status frustration according to Cohen?

  Status frustration occurs when individuals cannot achieve their goals due to a lack of opportunities.
• What is reaction formation in Cohen's theory?

  Reaction formation is when young people reject normal values and turn to delinquent subcultures.
• What is teenage delinquency as defined by Cohen?

  Teenage delinquency refers to young individuals who commit crimes.
• How do young people cope with frustration according to Cohen's theory?

  They cope with frustration by engaging in delinquent behavior since they cannot achieve their goals.