Conformism And Conformity Definition

Conformity involves individual seeking cultural goals through approved means. Conformists have accepted the goals of society and the ways in which they will attain them. The problem that Merton found was that not everybody who wants success has the opportunity to obtain it. According to him, the strain between cultures emphasis on wealth and the lack of opportunity for success might encourage individuals, especially poorer ones, to engage in illicit activities such as stealing, selling drugs and other form of street crime. He named this type of deviance ‘innovation’, using unconventional means (dealing drugs) to achieve culturally accepted goals (financial security). Ritualists believe that cultural goals are unreachable but still accept institutional
means. They are not likely to become a full time criminal but are likely to be seen as unusual or deviant.
The fourth mode is rebellion; it is the rejection of both cultural goals and institutional means. Individuals who are rebels are more likely to be viewed differently to other criminals because although they are committing a crime, they are doing it for the greater good, rather than for personal gain.
Lastly, retreatism. This is the rejection both goals and means. Retreatists are more likely to become deviant and retreat in to the world of drugs and alcohol.