Define and explain Robert Merton's five possible adaptations or responses to anomie when someone is unable to achieve cultural goals through acceptable means.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The first adaptation of conformity, individuals accept both culturally defined goals and the prescribed means for achieving them. They may find it necessary to scale down their aspirations, work hard, and save money, while continuing to follow legitimate paths. Conformity is not deviant behavior, but rather an adjustment in their lives. It is also the most common mode of response when contending with anomie. This type of adaptation would lead to a decision not to use or abuse drugs that are outside the mainstream of our culture. 
The second adaptation of innovation, individuals retain the dominant cultural goal of monetary success, but choose to reject legitimate avenues of goal attainment. Unlike conformity, innovation involves illegal behavior. Aspiring to be a drug dealer in order to achieve economic success is an example of innovation.
The third adaptation of ritualism - individuals reject the goal of economic success, but continue to accept the means of working in legitimate areas of life. 
The fourth adaptation of retreatism, individuals reject both the goal of economic success and the means of hard work. They have, in effect, given up. Members belonging to this category include individuals who have developed a dependence on alcohol or other drugs. Retreatists can be viewed as double failures. First, they have been unable to find success through conformity. Second, they have not been able to find success as an innovator through criminal activity. Drug dependence itself sets off a never-ending series of brutal demands, on both a physical and psychological level. 
The fifth adaptation, rebellion, individuals not only reject both the goal of economic success and the means of working, but also seek to overturn the social system and replace it with an alternate set of values. These individuals are the radicals and revolutionaries of society who break the law in an attempt to change it.