Merton believed that society was built on this idea which assured the public that there was equal opportunity that was available to anyone, regardless of class, gender or ethnicity, called the American Dream. The ‘American Dream’ painted this idea in the heads of individuals to seek success through wealth and material possessions. Americans were expected to seek out this perfect life by going to school, and gaining experience. The stigma in America was if you are ambitious and work hard then they should be rewarded with wealth.
Merton stated that when individuals are faced with the idea of not reaching their