Identify and explain one factor which may explain why some people use illegitimate means of achieving their goals, including what you know of Merton's perspective.

Answer

One factor that may explain why some people resort to illegitimate means to achieve their goals is the concept of 'strain theory,' proposed by Robert Merton. According to Merton, society sets culturally approved goals (like success, wealth, or status) and the means to achieve these goals (such as education and hard work). However, not everyone has equal access to these legitimate means due to various social structures, including socioeconomic status, education levels, and institutional barriers. When individuals face barriers in accessing these legitimate means, they may experience strain or frustration. This can lead to a realization that traditional avenues to success are blocked or insufficient. As a result, some individuals might resort to illegitimate means, such as cheating or using drugs in sports, to achieve their goals. For instance, in competitive sports, the pressure to succeed can drive athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs, viewing them as necessary tools to reach their goals, especially if they believe that everyone else is using them to gain an unfair advantage. Merton's perspective highlights that this behavior is not necessarily rooted in moral failing but is instead a rational response to a system that rewards certain outcomes while restricting access to legitimate means.