Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Robert K. Merton's Strain Theory explores the gap between culturally defined goals and the legitimate means available to achieve them, leading to deviance.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Merton proposed five types of individual adaptations based on their acceptance or rejection of goals and means:
1. Conformity: Accepts both goals and means (most common).
2. Innovation: Accepts cultural goals (like financial success) but rejects the institutionalized or legal means. These individuals find "new" (often illegal) ways to succeed, such as theft or white-collar crime.
3. Ritualism: Rejects goals but strictly follows the rules/means (the "rigid bureaucrat").
4. Retreatism: Rejects both goals and means (e.g., chronic addicts).
5. Rebellion: Rejects both and seeks to replace them with new ones.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The mode where goals are accepted but illegal means are used is Innovation.