Which deviant adaptation is defined as accepting the means but not the goals?

• A. Innovation
• B. Retreatism
• C. Ritualism
• D. Rebellion

Answer: (C)

In this framework, ritualism occurs when someone sticks to the approved ways of doing things but abandons the pursuit of society’s valued outcomes. They keep following rules, routines, and procedures but lose motivation for achieving success or wealth. A worker who dutifully shows up on time, follows every rule, and does the job by the book, yet no longer aims for promotion or higher status, embodies ritualism. The focus is on maintaining the process rather than chasing the goal. This differs from innovation, which pursues the goal but rejects the traditional means; retreatism, which drops both; and rebellion, which replaces both with new goals and new means.