Merton's Theory

What does Merton claim the 'American Dream' encourages individuals to pursue?

• A goal of success measured in terms of wealth and possessions

• A goal of success measured in terms of happiness and peace

• A goal of success measured in terms of education and knowledge

• A goal of success measured in terms of health and fitness

According to Merton, what can the American Dream encourage?

• Innovation and creativity

• Deviance and crime

• Peace and harmony

• Education and learning

What does Merton suggest individuals might do if they cannot achieve social goals legitimately?

• Work harder within the system

• Turn to illegitimate (criminal) means

• Seek education abroad

• Move to another country

What is 'Anomie' according to Merton?

• A state of personal happiness

• A state of normlessness leading to deviance

• A state of economic prosperity

• A state of educational achievement

What is 'ritualism' according to Merton?

• Giving up on goals but continuing daily routines

• Innovating new ways to achieve goals

• Rejecting societal goals

• Achieving goals through legitimate means

What does 'innovation' involve according to Merton?

• Achieving goals through legitimate means

• Giving up on goals

• Innovating means, often criminally, to achieve goals

• Rejecting societal goals

What does 'retreatism' mean in Merton's theory?

• Achieving goals through legitimate means

• Innovating new ways to achieve goals

• Rejecting goals and retreating from society

• Conforming to societal norms

What concept links Merton's theory to Durkheim's work?

• Conformity

• Anomie

• Innovation

• Retreatism

Which of the following is a criticism of Merton's theory?

• It explains violent crime.

• It considers biological explanations.

• It is deterministic.

• It is supported empirically.

What did Taylor (1973) emphasize in his critique of Merton's theory?

• Crime in elite classes

• Crime in lower classes

• Biological factors

• Violent crime