Included in this group are revolutionaries and some gangs. They assume that what exists and is dominant is correct . Functionalists assume that people who are not a part of the dominant culture automatically use the dominant culture as their point of reference. Note that functionalists define legitimate and illegitimate from a middle-class point of view . Even if we accept the middle-class point of reference, Merton assumes that people who do not have access to goals by legitimate means automatically have access by illegitimate means .
Criminal activity is also a skilled profession.
Merton assumes that people who have access to legitimate means and goals automatically use legitimate means and goals . Another example that contradicts Merton's claims is the large number of middle-class teenagers who shoplift merchandise at shopping malls. They shoplift because their life is boring. There is also a problem with cause and effect. Perhaps the cause and effect travel in the opposite direction.