Question

In the context of Robert Merton's strain theory of deviance, _____ is a mode of adaptation in which people feel so alienated that they want to change the social structure entirely by substituting new goals and means for the current ones.

Answer 1

Answer: Rebellion.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Merton´s classification of types of deviance, rebellion, which is the most extreme type, happens when cultural and social goals and means are rejected to be actively substituted with socially unacceptable ones, leading to criminal acts and violence.

Americans socialized into the American Dream idea, believe society is a meritocracy where hard work leads to success. Those who become aware of the strain between expected goals and acceptable means to reach them, have to make different adaptations, such as rebellion.