Which of the following statements reflects Merton's view on society's influence on individuals?

Merton's view emphasizes the structural factors in society that influence individuals' aspirations and opportunities. He posited that while society promotes a common set of goals—such as wealth, success, and prestige—there are often unequal or stratified means available for individuals to achieve these ends. This discrepancy between the cultural goals and the legitimate means to achieve them can lead to strain, as some individuals may find themselves encouraged to aspire to these common goals without the means to reach them, resulting in feelings of frustration or alienation.

Through this lens, option B accurately captures Merton's perspective on the influence of society on individuals: society indeed pushes people to aspire to similar goals, but not everyone has equal access to the means necessary to attain those goals, leading to variations in individual experiences and responses. Merton discusses this in his Strain Theory, which illustrates the tension between societal expectations and individual capabilities.