Anomie/Strain Theories

Question 1

What is Durkheim’s definition of the term anomie?

Answer 1

normlessness– lack of regulation

Question 2

Merton’s theory of anomie (“strain theory”) argues that anomie occurs when what two aspects of society become imbalanced?

Answer 2

culture (expected success goals) and social structure (institutional means)

Question 3

Name and describe each of the 5 “adaptations to strain/anomie” that Merton delineated in his theory.

Answer 3

1. conformity
   2, innovation
2. ritualism (deviant)
3. retreatism (deviant)
4. rebellion (deviant) – key concern to society

Question 4

What innovation or insight does Albert Cohen add to the anomie/strain theory tradition in his “theory of the delinquent gang”?

Answer 4

seeking “delinquent subcultures” (alt status system) due to failure in school

Question 5

Cloward & Ohlin elaborated Merton’s strain theory by focusing on what aspects of opportunity?

Answer 5

illegtimate opportunity

Question 6

Explain how the availability of illegitimate opportunity leads to the development of 3 types of delinquent subcultures.

Answer 6

criminal (organized theft), conflict (“street” gangs) and retreatist (drug subculture)

Question 7

According to Messner & Rosenfeld’s model, what social institutions are undermined and in what ways are they undermined? How does this lead to higher crime rates?

Answer 7

family, schools, and politicians; combination of strong economic institutions/values and weak faimly/welfare institutions and values leads to higher crime rates

Question 8

Describe the sources of strain in Robert Agnew’s General Strain Theory

Answer 8

individuals lose smth they value, are presented w noxious stimuli, and unable to achieve postively valued goals (similar to Merton’s theory

Question 9

According to Agnew’s General Strain Theory, why do strains affect crime? Which emotions are implicated in criminal behavior?

Answer 9

Because strains cause negative affect (particularly anger), crime = temporary escape mechansim

Question 10

Why is crime viewed as catharsis?

Answer 10

crime = releases negative affect

Question 11

Some people are more likely to cope w strains through crime. What are the characteristics of individuals most likely to commit crimes when faced w strains?

Answer 11

low constraint and high negative emotionality