What adaptation is characterized by an individual who rejects both societal goals and means?

The correct answer is the retreatist adaptation. This adaptation is defined by individuals who both reject the societal goals and the means to achieve them. In simpler terms, retreatists withdraw from the expectations of society entirely, opting out of trying to achieve societal success or adhering to the norms that facilitate success. This could manifest in various ways, such as substance abuse or a complete disengagement from social or economic participation.

Understanding this concept is essential as it relates to Robert Merton's strain theory, which explores how individuals adapt to the pressures of societal norms and values. Retreatists view both the traditional avenues for achieving success and the societal definitions of success as unworthy or unattainable. Thus, they create their own path by stepping away from these constructs.

In contrast, innovators do accept societal goals but create new means to achieve them, rebels advocate for an entirely new social structure while rejecting both the goals and means, and conformists adhere to both societal goals and means. Recognizing these distinctions helps to clarify the specific characteristics and motivations associated with each adaptation type.