Summarize strain theory and discuss Merton's types of responses to this. (5 marks)
a) Strain theory explains the pressure individuals feel when they are exposed to cultural goals that they are unable to obtain through legitimate means. Merton proposed five types of responses: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion.
b) Strain theory suggests that individuals experience stress when they are unable to achieve societal goals through legitimate means. Merton classified responses to strain into five categories: acceptance, innovation, retreatism, rebellion, and indifference.
c) Strain theory describes the tension individuals face when they cannot achieve culturally accepted goals through legitimate means. Merton identified five responses to this strain: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion.
d) Strain theory explains the pressure individuals feel when they are unable to achieve societal goals through legitimate means. Merton proposed four responses: conformity, innovation, ritualism, and rebellion.