Retreatism is a concept in sociology that describes a response to societal pressures where individuals withdraw from the goals and means of achieving success. Instead of striving for societal acceptance or material success, retreatists may choose to disengage from conventional expectations, often leading to a lifestyle that rejects mainstream values. This can manifest in various ways, such as substance abuse or alternative living arrangements. The term is often associated with the work of sociologist Robert K. Merton, who identified it as one of the five modes of individual adaptation to societal norms. Retreatism highlights the struggles some individuals face when they feel alienated or unable to achieve societal goals, leading them to seek solace in isolation or alternative communities.