Question

Robert Merton's typology of deviance outlines the strain that people experience as they attempt to access cultural goals through legitimate, institutionalized means. In which of the following categories would gangsters and con artists be found?1. Confirmity2. Ritualism3. Retreatism4. Innovation

Answer 1

Answer:

Gangsters and con artists would be found in category number 4. Innovation.

Explanation:

Deviant behavior is any behavior that does not conform with established social rules. One of the major theories concerning deviant behavior is Robert Merton's, in which he classifies people according to categories - conformists, innovators, ritualists, retreatists, and rebels. Gangsters and con artists belong to the innovators, the group of people who accept the goals, but not the means. For instance: one of the accepted goals by society is wealth. Gangsters accept that goal; they want wealth. But they do not accept the usual means to get rich - study, find a good job, get a promotion, etc. They cut corners, innovating in their ways to achieve their goals.

Answer 2

Answer:

Innovation

Explanation:

Based on the scenario being described within the question it can be said that gangsters and con artists would mainly be found in the Innovation category. Individuals in this category accept the different goals of the culture that they are in but completely reject the traditional or legitimate means of achieving those goals set forth by authoritative institutions.