Sociology Quiz: Functionalist The ories_Merton

What did Merton suggest as the cause of strain to anomie in society?

• Lack of social norms and values

• Individual motivations for behaviors

• Structural inequality and the promotion of the American dream

• Fragmentation of social norms and values

Answer explanation

Merton suggested that structural inequality and the promotion of the American dream cause strain to anomie in society.

What is the American dream according to Merton?

• A dream achieved through criminal means

• A dream shared by most Americans

• A dream that is no longer relevant in the 21st century

• A dream rejected by most Americans

Answer explanation

According to Merton, the American dream is a dream shared by most Americans.

What is the adaptation to strain where individuals accept the American dream and strive to achieve it through legitimate means?

• Retreatism

• Conformity

• Ritualism

• Innovation

Answer explanation

Conformity is the adaptation to strain where individuals accept the American dream and strive to achieve it through legitimate means.

Which adaptation to strain involves individuals rejecting the socially approved goals and adopting alternative methods to achieve their own vision of society?

• Ritualism

• Rebellion

• Innovation

• Conformity

Answer explanation

Rebellion is the adaptation to strain where individuals reject socially approved goals and adopt alternative methods to achieve their own vision of society.

What is the positive evaluation of Merton's strain theory?

• It explains crimes of passion and violent acts

• It recognizes the role of structural inequality in crime

• It is limited in explaining criminal and deviant activities

• It is no longer relevant in the 21st century

Answer explanation

Merton's strain theory acknowledges the impact of structural inequality on crime.

According to Merton, which group of people would continue to adopt legitimate means of gaining wealth and power despite knowing it is unlikely to lead them to their goals?

• Retreatists

• Innovators

• Ritualists

• Rebels

Answer explanation

According to Merton, the group of people who would continue to adopt legitimate means of gaining wealth and power despite knowing it is unlikely to lead them to their goals are the Ritualists.