Merton Theory: Flashcards
What is merton’s theory of crime?
The strain theory.
What is the strain theory?
Individuals feel a strain when there isn’t enough opportunity to achieve the normal success goals and means in society which leads them to turn to crime in order to achieve success.
What did merton say about the American dream?
The american dream encouraged individuals to pursue a goal of success which was measured in wealth and material possession.
What’s the American dream?
A set of meritocratic principles which stated an equality of opportunities was available regardless of class, gender, and ethnicity.
What is Merton’s concept of anomie?
Imbalance between cultural goals and institutionalised means.
What produces Merton’s anomie theory?
An imbalanced society produces anomie, there is a strain or tension between the goals and the means which produces unsatisfied aspirations.
What are merton’s five adaptations?
Conformity:
Innovation:
Ritualism:
Retreatism:
Rebellion:
What class did Merton say had a higher rate of crime?
Working class.
What does Merton say about working class men?
They desire to achieve material success therefore resolves to crime to achieve them.
How do individuals get branded a failure from Merton’s theory?
When they are pressured to achieve material success but fails to do so.
3 Criticism of merton’s theory?
- Doesn’t explain why white collar crime still occurs even though the rich have achieved their American dream.
- Strain theory explains economic crime and doesn’t explain violent and passion crimes.
- Marxist view = lack of equality due to capitalist society, elite create a system which disadvantages the lower class.
What is the anomie theory of deviance by Merton?
The access to the mean to achieve socials acceptable goals plays a part in determining whether a person conforms and accepts these goals or rebels and rejects them.
What is conformity?
Those who conforms and choose not to deviate. Pursue their goals through socially accepted means.
What is innovation?
Pursue goals with unacceptable means by instead using criminal or deviant means.
What is ritualism?
People who ritualize lower their goals until they can reach them through socially acceptable ways.
