In a community where high-paying jobs are scarce, a group of individuals begins to engage in illegal activities to achieve financial success. According to Merton's Strain Theory, which response to strain are these individuals exhibiting?

According to Merton's Strain Theory, the individuals in this community are exhibiting the response known as "innovation. " This response occurs when people accept the cultural goals, like financial success, but reject the legitimate means to achieve them, such as getting a good job. Instead of working hard through legal channels, they turn to illegal activities like theft or drug dealing to reach their goals. For example, if someone cannot find a well-paying job and feels frustrated, they might decide to sell drugs to make money quickly. This shows how strain can lead people to find alternative, often harmful, ways to succeed when they feel blocked from traditional paths.