Anomie (General + Functionalist) #1 Flashcards
1
Q
What is Anomie in Sociology?
A
- A sociological term - a state of normlessness in society, characterized by weak or unclear social norms, leading to social instability and disconnection among individuals.
- An important concept in sociology because it helps explain a range of social phenomena, such as crime rates, suicide, and the general sense of malaise that can happen in a society going through rapid change or facing an identity or purpose crisis.
2
Q
What does Durkheim says about Anomie?
A
- Introduced the concept of anomie in 1893 in his book The Division of Labor in Society.
- Durkheim recognized the tension and turmoil caused by the Industrial Revolution and developed the concept of anomie to resolve this contradiction.
- A social change resulting from societal lack of clear norms, leading to increased deviance and crime.
-Anomie occurs when social controls are weak, causing ineffective moral obligations.
- Argued that the division of labor creates social cohesion
3
Q
What does Merton say about Anomie?
A
- Expanded Durkheim’s theory
- Linking anomie to deviance, suggesting that when societal goals are unattainable, individuals may resort to deviant behavior.
4
Q
What is Functionalist Anomie?
A
- A breakdown in society standards caused by insufficient guidance and regulation from social institutions.
Functionalists argue that anomie can lead to deviant behavior and social dysfunction, but also acknowledge it is necessary for social change and progress
5
Q
What can lead to to Anomie?
A
- Industrialization led to anomie as work became routinized, reducing workers’ commitment to the process and org.
- Industrial society experiences rapid social changes that disrupt the norms for behavior.
As a result, people feel uneasy/restless and unhappy/dissatisfied because the old limits on their wants are gone. - The growing wealth from economic growth makes this problem even worse.
(These behaviors show a failure in the control of social norms)
