According to Merton's theory of strain, when people reject the goal but still adhere to the accepted means of achieving the goal, it is referred to as "Ritualism."
Here's a breakdown to help you understand:
1. **Ritualism**: In this response to societal goals, individuals give up on the goal itself due to the realization that they cannot attain it, but they continue to rigidly follow the established means or rules despite knowing that the goal is unachievable for them.
In contrast, let's briefly define the other options:
2. **Innovation**: This occurs when individuals accept the goal but pursue alternative, often deviant, means to achieve it.
3. **Rebellion**: Individuals in rebellion reject both the societal goals and the means to achieve them, advocating for entirely new goals and means.
4. **Conformity**: This involves both accepting the societal goals and the means to achieve them as legitimate.
Therefore, in the context of rejecting the goal but still sticking to the means, the correct answer is **Ritualism**.
