functionalist theories (strain theory) Flashcards
I really want to die
x3
key concepts of strain theory
- anomie
- curtail goals
- institutionalised means
describe anomie
the strain between societal goals and the means available to achieve them
describe curtail goals
these are the objective that society encourages individuals to achieve
describe institutionalised means
these are the acceptable methods to achieve societal goals
five modes of individual adaptation
- conformity
- innovation
- ritualism
- retreatsim
- rebellion
describe conformity
accepts goals and means deemed socially acceptable. least likely to engage in deviance
describe innovation
accepts the goals but rejects or modifies the means. this category is most likely to engage in criminal behaviour to achieve success
describe ritualism
abandons the goals but rigidly adheres to the means. less likely to engage in criminal behaviour but may engage in obsessive rule-following
describe retreatsim
rejects both goals and means often retreating into substance abuse or alternative lifestyles
describe rebellion
rejects and replaces both goals and means , aiming to create a new social structure
x3
name the criticisms of strain theory
- overemphasis on material success
- lack of focus on power relations
- deterministic
criticisms: describe overemphasis on material success
critics argue that the theory overly focuses on material success as the primary societal goal, ignoring other goals like family, community, etc
criticisms: describe lack of focus on power relations
critics argue that merton does not adequately address the role of power dynamics and inequality in the formation of societal goals and mean
criticisms: describe deterministic
some argue that the theory is too deterministic, implying that some people have little agency in choosing not to commit crime under strain
