In His Structural Strain Theory, Robert Merton Argues That People

question 18

Essay

In his structural strain theory, Robert Merton argues that people who don't have the financial or cultural means to achieve the goals that society sets out for them (for example, financial success) are more likely to adopt deviant behavior. Explain the different ways in which, according to Merton, these people deal with their limited resources and express their deviant behavior.

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Definitions:

Discount Rate

This particular interest rate is utilized for assessing the present value of cash flows to be received in the future, as per discounted cash flow analysis.

Profitability Index

A financial tool used to evaluate the desirability of an investment, calculated as the present value of future cash flows divided by the initial investment cost.

Cash Inflows

Money received by a business from its operational, financing, or investment activities.

Investment Projects

Initiatives undertaken by a business or organization to invest in new assets, technology, or resources with the expectation of generating future benefits.