Miriam Wanted to Be Able to Own a Fancy Car

question 28

True/False

Miriam wanted to be able to own a fancy car, so she attended college and became a physician. She could then afford to purchase her luxury automobile. Merton would argue that Miriam was using conformity to adapt to strain.

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Definitions:

Defense Mechanism

Mental tactics employed subconsciously to shield an individual from the distress caused by thoughts or emotions that are not acceptable.

Repression

A defense mechanism where uncomfortable thoughts or memories are unconsciously blocked from conscious awareness.

Underlies

To lie or be situated under something; to be the support or basis of; to form the foundation of.

Projection

A defense mechanism in psychology where individuals attribute their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, and motives to another person.