According to Merton's Strain Theory, which of the following best represents the concept of cultural goals within society?

Merton's Strain Theory explains how society sets certain goals that people strive to achieve, which he calls cultural goals. These goals often include things like financial success, education, and social status. When individuals feel they cannot reach these goals through accepted means, like hard work or education, they might experience strain or frustration. For example, if someone works hard in school but still struggles to find a good job, they might feel pressured to find alternative methods to achieve success, like cheating or engaging in illegal activities. This illustrates how the pressure to meet cultural goals can lead to different responses based on individual circumstances.