mertons strain theory Flashcards
what is strain theory?
This is the theory which argues that people engage in deviant behaviour when they are unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means.
who was the first theorists that came up with strain theory ?
The first theorist was Robert K Merton (1938) who just adapted Durkheims concept of anomie.
what are the two combination that Merton used to develop his theory?
He used structural factors- like societies unequal opportunity structure
and cultural factors- the strong focus on success goals and weaker emphasis on using legitimate means to achieve them.
what does Merton say is the reason for crime?
He said that crime is a result of a strain between the goals that culture encourages individuals to achieve and the actual legal opportunity it gives them to achieve this.
what is the American dream?
Basically the desired middle class lifestyle with a comfortable lifestyle and many of societies wants.
What is the reality of the American dream?
The reality is that many disadvantaged groups are denied the opportunity to achieve legitimately. e.g poverty, inadequate schools and discrimination
what else adds to pressure with the American dream?
The gap between the the cultural goal of money and success is and the lack of opportunity creates frustration and this creates illegitimate means to achieve this success.
and this is then further added to from Americans being obsessed to achieve by any means
what is conformity?
Individuals that accept the culturally approved goals and strive to achieve them legitimately. most likely among middle class people.
what is Innovation?
Individuals accept the goal of money success but use illegitimate means such as theft of fraud to achieve it. they are on the lower end of the social structure.
What is ritualism?
Individuals which give up on trying to achieve the goals, but have internalised the legitimate means and so they follow the rules for their own sake.
what is retreatism?
Individuals reject both the goals and the legitimate means ad=nd basically become drop outs.
what is Rebellion?
Individuals reject the existing society goals and means but they replace them with new ones in a desire to bring about a revolutionary change and create a society with new ideals and values
What are adaptions
These are the reactions and the moves of different people in society and how they conform and react to strain
