What does Merton's Strain Theory suggest about societal goals and means?

Merton's Strain Theory posits that society sets culturally approved goals, such as wealth and success, while also establishing means for individuals to achieve those goals, typically through education and employment. However, a disconnect can occur when individuals find that they do not have access to these legitimate means, leading to strain. This situation creates pressure to either conform, innovate, or engage in deviance, which may include criminal behaviors.

The theory highlights that strain is not simply about personal failure but rather about structural inequalities in society that prevent certain groups from achieving societal goals through accepted paths. Thus, the correct understanding of Merton's theory revolves around the idea that strain arises from this mismatch between widely accepted goals and the limited means available to different segments of the population, which can lead to varying responses including conformity, innovation, or deviance.