Mertons moral strain theory

Question 1

outline mertons strain theory

Answer 1

People deviate when they’re unable to achieve culturally approved goals by legitimate means (ie, sell drugs)

Question 2

Outline Two cause of crime

Answer 2

Structural factors-society’s unequal opportunity structure
Cultural factors-strong emphasise on success goal ad the weaker emphasise on using legitimate means to achieve them

Question 3

The American dream

Answer 3

success, rich, status

Question 4

Legitimate means

Answer 4

job (career), education, cultural capital

Question 5

what is this strain

Answer 5

the strain between goals and ambitions of ppl and their ability to achieve them

Question 6

EVAL of Merton

Answer 6

-overemphasis on WC crime
-assumed value consensus;not everyone wants the same end goal
-too deterministic;not all WC deviate
-ignore the ruling class power on enforcing laws that criminalise the WC rather then MC
-only accounts for utilitarian crimes