What term is used to describe the strategy of seeking to fulfill societal goals through unconventional means?

The term that describes the strategy of seeking to fulfill societal goals through unconventional means is innovation. In criminological terms, particularly in Merton's strain theory, innovation refers to individuals who accept societal goals but reject the conventional means of achieving them. Instead of adhering to accepted methods, innovators create new, often non-conventional methods to reach their aspirations.

For example, a person may desire financial success, which is a societal goal, but instead of pursuing traditional avenues such as education or legitimate employment, they might engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud. This approach highlights how individuals can adapt to the pressures of societal expectations by developing alternative paths, albeit ones that may be deemed illegitimate or illegal.

In contrast, other options like conformity refer to adhering strictly to both societal goals and means, retreatism involves rejecting both societal goals and means, and rebellion signifies rejecting and attempting to replace both societal goals and means. Hence, innovation distinctly captures the essence of pursuing accepted goals through unaccepted avenues.