Functionalism - Merton

Question 1

Merton (1938)

Answer 1

argues that there’s clear, culturally define goals in any social structure and also clearly define means to achieve these goals

crime and deviance occur when the goals are emphasised more than the acceptable means

argues that when there’s a strain to achieve the goals, anomie will occur

Question 2

Merton - Modes of adaption

5 different responses to goal of success

Answer 2

conformity - working hard/making money legitimately

innovation - internalised goal but not the acceptable means/the goal is incompatible with their opportunities

ritualism - scaling down the goal, judged as lacking ambition or deviant

retreatism - dropping out of society/not working/rejecting family

rebellion - reject society’s goals but replace them with alternatives/joining gang

Question 3

Evaluating Merton

Answer 3

challenges for assuming at the goal of financial success is universal

there may be other goals such as love/family and others reasons for displaying deviant behaviour

his theory is very influential and recognises that when under strain/stress, he/she may turn to crime