What does the term 'Retreatist' refer to in the context of adaptation models?

The term 'Retreatist' in the context of adaptation models refers to individuals who reject both the societal goals and the means of achieving those goals. This concept is rooted in Robert Merton's strain theory, which categorizes individual responses to societal pressures and goals.

Retreatists withdraw from the conventional social structure as a response to the realization that they cannot meet societal expectations, either due to inability or unwillingness. This withdrawal can manifest in various forms, such as substance abuse, homelessness, or a general disengagement from societal norms and values.

By rejecting both the means of achieving success (like employment, education) and the societal goals themselves (like wealth, status), retreatists essentially carve out a space of non-conformity. Thus, identifying them as those who step away from conventional pursuits distinctly aligns with their classification within adaptation models.