Merton's strain theory

Question 1

For merton why does deviance occur ?

Answer 1

Deviance occurs when people fail to reach the goals they set for themselves or societies goals the legitimate way

Question 2

What does the American dream have to do with strain theory ?

Answer 2

Americans are supposed to do good honest work to climb the ladder of ‘meritocratic society’

However in reality society doesn’t make everyone equal due to CAGE factors certain people are more or less advantaged

Question 3

When people can’t achieve societies goals like any functionalist theory they respond to the strain anomie puts on them, what are the ways people may respond ?

Answer 3

Conformity
Innovation
Ritualism
Retreatism
Rebellion

Question 4

What is conformity as a response to strain theory ?

Answer 4

Where individuals accept the culturally approved goals and continue to strive towards them legitimately (a common response seen In the middle class)

Question 5

What is Innovation as a response to strain theory ?

Answer 5

Where they accept the goals of society but turn to illegitimate means to achieve them

Question 6

What is Ritualism as a response to strain theory ?

Answer 6

Where individuals give up on societies goals for them but internalise the legitimate means for their own sake

Question 7

What is Retreatism as a response to strain theory ?

Answer 7

Individuals reject both the goals and the legitimate means becoming dropouts from society

Question 8

What is Rebellion as a response to strain theory ?

Answer 8

Individuals reject the existing goals and means instead finding value in other endeavours

Question 9

What are some criticisms of merton ?

Answer 9

He doesn’t explain non-utilitarian crime

The theory is over deterministic

many of the working class never commit crime as there is no value consensus on money as a goal