What term does Merton use to describe the working class's adaptation to denied legitimate opportunities?

Merton uses the term "innovation" to describe the working class's adaptation to denied legitimate opportunities within his strain theory framework. In this context, innovation refers to the way individuals or groups may seek alternative methods to achieve socially accepted goals when they face barriers in obtaining access to conventional means. For example, when legitimate opportunities, like education or stable jobs, are not available to the working class, they may turn to unconventional or illegal means, such as crime or delinquency, in order to achieve financial success or social status.

This concept highlights the stratification in society, where individuals in lower socioeconomic positions might feel pressured to adapt their strategies for success due to limited access to legitimate avenues. Innovations in this sense can manifest in various forms of deviance, as individuals create their own paths to meet societal expectations. Merton's focus on innovation helps illuminate how structural inequalities can influence behavior and contribute to crime and deviance.