In terms of cultural goals and means to attain them, describe ...

[809779]

In terms of cultural goals and means to attain them, describe each of the five modes of adaptation that Merton outlined in strain theory.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

According to Durkheim, list three main functions that deviance provides for society. Provide an example or illustration of each.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[mjenn52]

Answer to Question 1

Merton identified five different modes of adaptation that individuals use in responding to society's approved cultural goals and society's approved means to achieve them.
(1 ) The conformist is considered as the only non-deviant because he or she accepts society's goals and society's means to achieve them. The other four modes of adaptation are considered as being deviant.
(2 ) The ritualist accepts the means to achieve goals and in many respects is a model citizen but rejects the approved cultural goals. The goals may be out of reach or simply not the prime focus of the individual's efforts.
(3 ) The retreatist rejects both the culturally approved goals and the culturally approved means to achieve them.
(4 ) The rebel rejects either the approved goals or the means to achieve them (or both) but substitutes a goal or means in their place.
(5 )The innovator accepts culturally approved goals but rejects the approved means to achieve them.

Answer to Question 2

(1 ) Deviance clarifies moral boundaries and affirms norms. When an offender is brought to justice it reminds everyone of the law or moral code of a culture. Police officers remind us of the speed limit when we are observed exceeding it excessively.
(2 ) Deviance promotes social unity. During a rally by the Ku Klux Klan in 1995, faculty, students, and community people gathered together at the university to protest the speeches and sign a group statement advocating multicultural unity.
(3 ) Deviance promotes social change. Homosexuality was once punishable by death in the colonies. Today there are advocate organizations and special events for gays and lesbians.