Which term describes someone who is trying to survive without fully engaging in proper societal behavior?

The correct term for someone who attempts to survive without fully engaging in proper societal behavior is retreatism. This concept comes from Robert Merton's Strain Theory, which outlines various ways individuals respond to societal pressures and expectations.

Retreatism refers to individuals who reject both the cultural goals and the means of achieving them. Instead of striving for success or adhering to societal norms, retreatists withdraw from society's expectations, often turning to alternative lifestyles or behaviors, including substance abuse, homelessness, or living in subcultures that do not conform to mainstream values.

In this context, retreatism captures the essence of someone who, while still residing within a societal framework, does not conform to its standards of behavior, effectively "checking out" of the usual pursuits and responsibilities that others engage in to navigate social life. This is a crucial distinction from other terms like ritualism, which involves strict adherence to societal norms but without the aim of achieving societal goals.