In Robert Merton's strain theory, what term describes someone who tries to create new cultural goals?

In Robert Merton's strain theory, the term that describes someone who tries to create new cultural goals is rebellion. This approach occurs when individuals reject both the existing culturally approved goals and the means of achieving them, and in their place, they advocate for alternative goals and strategies. Rebels seek to disrupt the status quo and affect change in societal norms and values, aiming to redefine what is acceptable and worthwhile.

This is distinct from other responses, as ritualism involves strictly adhering to societal rules and norms without seeking to achieve the cultural goals, while retreatism denotes a rejection of both cultural goals and the means to achieve them, leading to withdrawal from societal expectations altogether. Conformity, on the other hand, is characterized by acceptance of both the goals and the means to achieve them without questioning the societal framework. Hence, rebellion stands out as the correct concept for individuals actively seeking to introduce new cultural aspirations.