In Merton's typology, what does a "conformist" do?

In Merton's typology, a "conformist" is characterized by the acceptance of both the culturally approved goals and the legitimate means of achieving those goals. This means that a conformist adheres to societal standards and pursues success through socially acceptable routes, such as education and hard work.

By aligning their actions with the established norms and values of society, conformists exemplify a commitment to society's framework, thereby reinforcing social stability. Their behavior contrasts with other typologies identified by Merton, where individuals either reject or adapt the means to obtain goals, indicating different responses to the cultural pressures and structural limitations present in society.

Overall, the conformist role is crucial for understanding how individuals navigate social expectations and structures within the framework of Merton's theory of anomie and social deviance.