Which term describes adhering to social norms and the means without aiming for the goals?

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

Answer: (A)

Ritualism is the pattern where someone sticks to the accepted rules and everyday routines but no longer aims for the broader cultural goals. In this view, the person continues to follow the legitimate means—the social norms and procedures—yet rejects the goal of achieving wealth, status, or other culturally valued outcomes. An example is a worker who performs tasks strictly by the book and adheres to every rule, but isn’t striving to advance or gain higher rewards. This differs from conformity, which involves pursuing both the goals and the means; from innovation, which pursues the goals but through illegitimate means; and from retreatism, which rejects both the goals and the means.