SOCL 4091 Study Guide - Final Guide: Ritualism In The Church Of England, Mechanical And Organic Solidarity, Homicide
Document Summary
Final exam review: merton believed that society has certain goals and aspirations and society had defined methods of achieving these goals like obeying laws, getting an education, and working hard. The goals must be able to be achievable by all social classes in order for a balance to be maintained. If the goals are not equally achievable through an accepted mode, then illegitimate means might be used to achieve the same goal. More emphasis is on the goals and not how to achieve it and this can lead people to turn to crime in order to achieve these goals. The typology of the adaptations consists of conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatists, and rebellion. Conformity means that people use positive means to achieve positive goals. Innovation is using negative means to achieve positive goals. Ritualism is using positive means but achieving negative goals. Retreatists use negative means and achieve negative goals.
