Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 62%

According to Merton's five types of deviance, which person exemplifies ritualism?

Rationale

A person who fails to achieve or gives up on goals but still holds on to the socially acceptable means of achieving them.

Ritualism, as defined by Merton, involves individuals who do not pursue cultural goals but continue to adhere to established means, often out of habit or conformity. This reflects a disconnection from the original goals, yet a commitment to societal norms and practices.

A (A person who rejects both the cultural goals and the conventional means of achieving them) YOUR ANSWER

This choice describes retreatism, where individuals abandon both the societal goals and the means to achieve them, often opting for alternative lifestyles that reject conventional norms entirely. Therefore, it does not align with the concept of ritualism, which retains a commitment to means despite abandoning goals.

B (A person who accepts society's goals but adopts alternative, but disapproved, means of achieving them) YOUR ANSWER

This option represents innovation, where individuals strive for societal goals but choose unconventional or socially frowned-upon methods to reach them. This is distinct from ritualism, where the means remain conventional, albeit the goals are not pursued.

C (A person who fails to achieve or gives up on goals but still holds on to the socially acceptable means of achieving them) CORRECT

This accurately captures ritualism. Those embodying this type may follow societal rules and engage in accepted practices without any tangible pursuit of success, highlighting a commitment to the means while abandoning the ultimate goals.

D (A person who adopts the broader cultural goals of success and accesses the legitimate means to achieve them) YOUR ANSWER

This describes conformity, where individuals embrace both the cultural goals and the approved means to achieve them. It contrasts with ritualism, which involves a lack of goal pursuit despite adherence to accepted practices.

Conclusion

Merton's typology of deviance illustrates various responses to societal pressures regarding goals and means. Ritualism specifically identifies individuals who cling to accepted means while relinquishing the pursuit of societal goals. This distinction is crucial for understanding the diverse ways individuals navigate societal expectations and norms.

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