Ch6- PovertyAnomieStrain Flashcards
What is poverty?
a condition where individuals or groups lack the resources necessary to meet basic needs
What is anomie?
a state of normlessness or a breakdown in social regulation
What is strain?
tension that arises when individuals are unable to achieve their goals
Who is Emile Durkheim?
one of the founding fathers of sociology and criminology, his work focused on the social causes of crime and how society could prevent it, his theories are still relevant today and have infludenced contemporary criminological research
What was Durkheim’s theory of crime?
he believed that crime was a normal and necessary part of society, crime occurs when there is a breakdown in social norms and values, and punishment serves to reinforce social solidarity and prevent further crime
What is Durkheim’s concept of anomie?
refers to a state of normlessness or breakdown in social regulation, anomie can lead to feeling of alienation and a lack of purpose; Durkheim believed that anomic conditions could lead to an increade in crime and deviance
What are some examples of Anomie?
Natrual disasters or crises that disrupt traditional social structures, rapid economic growth or decline, extreme wealth or poverty, sense of realtive deprivation or inability to achieve goals through legitimate means
What was Durkheim’s approach to crime prevention?
believed that crime prevention should focus on strenghtneing social norms and values, educations and socialization were key to preventing crime and promoting social cohesion, also advocated for the use of punishment as a means of reinforcing social norms and maintaning social order.
What was Mertons definition of Anomie and Strain?
anomie- a state of normlessness or breakdown insocial norms and values, which can lead to feelings of confusion, frustration and disillusionment among individuals. Strain- the stress and tension that arise from the mismatch between cultural goals and institutional means for achieving the goals
What are Mertons 5 modes of adaptation?
Conformity, Innovation, RItualism, Retreatism, Rebellion
What are Merton’s criticisms and legacy?
the limited focus on structural factors and neglect of individual agency, the importance of social structure in understanding crime. The Future Directions for research on anomie and strain including the role of cultural values and globalisation.
