Match the Strain Game: Merton's Deviant Adaptations

Lamar dreams of owning a business. He takes out loans, works two jobs, and attends night school to eventually succeed.

• conformity

• innovation

• ritualism

• retreatism

• rebellion

Answer explanation

Lamar's actions of taking loans, working multiple jobs, and attending night school demonstrate conformity. He is following societal norms and expectations to achieve success in business, rather than seeking alternative paths.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Maya doesn’t believe she will ever achieve the American Dream, but she follows all the rules and keeps her job as a file clerk.

• conformity

• innovation

• ritualism

• retreatism

• rebellion

Answer explanation

Maya's adherence to rules despite her belief that she won't achieve the American Dream exemplifies ritualism. She continues her job as a file clerk, maintaining the formality of work without pursuing the original goals of success.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Jared sells stolen phones online because he believes there is no way to make real money through legal jobs.

• conformity

• innovation

• ritualism

• retreatism

• rebellion

Answer explanation

Jared's choice to sell stolen phones reflects 'innovation' as he seeks alternative means to achieve financial success outside of traditional legal employment, demonstrating a deviation from accepted norms.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Elliot drops out of school, moves off the grid, and refuses to work or engage with society.

• conformity

• innovation

• ritualism

• retreatism

• rebellion

Answer explanation

Elliot's actions of dropping out, moving off the grid, and refusing to engage with society exemplify retreatism, where individuals reject societal goals and means, opting for withdrawal instead.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Ava joins a radical movement that wants to eliminate capitalism and replace it with a communal, resource-sharing society.

• conformity

• innovation

• ritualism

• retreatism

• rebellion

Answer explanation

Ava's involvement in a radical movement to eliminate capitalism signifies a challenge to the existing social order, which aligns with rebellion. This choice reflects her desire to replace the current system with a communal society.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Selena follows the law and volunteers in her community, believing hard work and honesty will help her succeed.

• conformity

• innovation

• ritualism

• retrestism

• rebellion

Answer explanation

Selena's actions reflect conformity, as she adheres to societal norms by following the law and volunteering, believing that hard work and honesty will lead to success.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Tyrell opens a fake charity website to scam people and fund his expensive lifestyle.

• conformity

• innovation

• ritualism

• retreatism

• rebellion

Answer explanation

Tyrell's actions represent 'innovation' as he creates a new method (a fake charity) to achieve financial gain, deviating from traditional means of earning money. This contrasts with conformity, which involves adhering to societal norms.

Brianna gave up on trying to get a job or go to school. She mostly stays home and uses substances to cope.

• conformity

• innovation

• ritualism

• retreatism

• rebellion

Answer explanation

Brianna's choice to give up on job and school and use substances indicates a withdrawal from societal expectations, which aligns with retreatism. This term describes individuals who reject societal goals and means, opting for escapism.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Nico still works a factory job even though he believes he'll never move up. He never challenges the system.

• conformity

• innovation

• ritualism

• retreatism

• rebellion

Answer explanation

Nico's acceptance of his situation without challenging it reflects ritualism, where he adheres to the rules of his job but has lost sight of the original goals, showing a lack of ambition or change.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Jordan protests the school system and drops out to join a self-governing learning co-op.

• conformity

• innovation

• ritualism

• retreatism

• rebellion

Answer explanation

Jordan's decision to protest the school system and drop out reflects rebellion, as he actively opposes established norms and seeks an alternative educational path, rather than conforming or retreating.