Page 2: Strain Theory and Social Adaptation

This page explores Merton's strain theory and various adaptations to social pressure. When individuals cannot access institutionalized means to achieve cultural goals, they experience strain leading to different responses.

Definition: Strain theory explains how limited access to legitimate means of achieving societal goals creates pressure that may lead to deviance.

Example: Working class individuals might turn to crime due to lack of income or quality education.

Highlight: The five adaptations to strain are:

• Conformity: Continuing to pursue goals despite limited chances
• Innovation: Accepting goals but using alternative methods
• Ritualism: Following means while losing sight of goals
• Retreatism: Rejecting both goals and means
• Rebellion: Substituting different goals and means

Quote: "When people cannot access the institutionalised means and cultural goals of their society, they experience anomie, which in turn leads to strain."