Merton's strain theory

Question 1

What do strain theorists argue?

Answer 1

That people commit crime when they are unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means

Question 2

What 2 elements does Merton’s strain theory combine?

Answer 2

1. Structural factors- society’s unequal opportunity structure
2. Cultural factors- strong emphasis on success goals and the weaker emphasis on using legitimate means to get them

Question 3

According to Merton, deviance is the result of strain between what 2 things?

Answer 3

1. The goals that a culture encourages individuals to achieve
2. What the institutional structure of society allows them to achieve legitimately

Question 4

The American Dream

Answer 4

• Ideal way to achieve the American dream: self-discipline, study, educational qualifications and hard work
• Opportunity structure isn’t equal: poverty, inadequate schools, discrimination, racism

Question 5

Deviant adaptations to strain

Answer 5

• An individual’s position in the social structure affects the way they adapt or respond to strain/anomie

Question 6

What are the 5 different types of adaptation?

Answer 6

1. Conformity
   - Trying to legitimately achieve goals, typical response of most Americans
2. Innovation
   - Accept the goal of money success but use illegitimate ways to achieve it
   - Theft, fraud, tax evasion…
3. Ritualism
   - Give up on the goals but have internalised the legitimate means
   - Therefore they follow the rules and are in dead-end routine jobs
4. Retreatism
   - Rejection of both the goals and the legitimate means
   - Include ‘psychotics, outcasts, vagrants, tramps…’
5. Rebellion
   - Replacement of existing society’s goals
   - Aim to bring change and create a new society

Question 7

Evaluation of Merton

Answer 7

• It takes official crime statistics at face value
• Deterministic: the w/c experience the most strain yet they don’t all deviate
• Marxism: ignores the power of the ruling class
• Assumes there is a value consensus: everyone wants ‘money success’
• Doesn’t account for crimes such as violence, vandalism…
• Ignores the role of group deviance, such as delinquent subcultures