DSC; CH 4 Anomie/ Strain Theory Flashcards
What is a Anome?
Anomie:
a state of normlessness where society fails to effectively regulate the expectations or behaviors of its members.
What are Conflict Subcultures?
Conflict subcultures:
from Cloward and Ohlin’s theory—conflict subcultures develop in disorganized neighborhoods where young people are deprived of both conventional and illegitimate opportunities; frustration and violence are defining characteristics
What is General Strain Theory (GST)?
General strain theory (GST):
Robert Agnew’s version of strain theory; suggests that strain at the individual level may result from the failure to achieve valued goals and also from the presence of negative relations or stimuli
What is Institutional Anomie Theory?
Institutional anomie theory:
from Messner and Rosenfeld—argues that the major institutions in the United States, including the family, school, and political system, are all dominated by economic institutions; the exaggerated emphasis on monetary success leads to crime and deviance.
What is Relative Deprivation?
Relative deprivation:
perspective suggesting that socioeconomic inequality has a direct effect on community crime rates
What is a Retreatist Subcultures?
Retreatist subcultures:
from Cloward and Ohlin’s theory; similar to Merton’s adaptation of retreatism, a subculture revolving around drug use, drug culture, and relative isolation from the larger society
What is Status Frustration?
Status frustration:
a concept from Albert Cohen, suggesting the strain that working-class boys feel when measured against middle-class standards they have trouble meeting
What is strain?
Strain:
lack of opportunities for conventional success may lead to strain, which can manifest in anger, frustration, and deviance.
What are Structural Impediments?
Structural impediments:
obstacles on the road to conforming success—for example, lack of education, poor access to legitimate careers, and so on
