Mertons strain theory Flashcards
what is mertons overall belief/argument
believe working class do not have the same advantages as upper class so they are unable to achieve their goals they will turn to crime
what are the main points of strain theory
- strain towards anomie
- modes of adaption
what is a strain towards anomie
the goals becomes more important than the means
what are the 5 modes of adaption
- conformity
- ritualism
- retreatism
- innovation
- rebellion
what is conformity as a mode of adaption
earning money in legitimate ways
what is innovation as a mode of adaption
goals but no acceptable means to achieve it so may bend the rules
what is ritualism as a mode of adaption
lowering aspirations and not striving for wealth
what is retreatism as a mode of adaption
struggle to succeed so dropping out of a society which can lead to deviant self destructive behaviour
what is rebellion as a mode of adaption
may reject societies goals but replace them with alternatives
what are criticisms of mertons strain theory
- there are other goals other than financial success such as family and love
- person may fall into more than one category of modes of adaptions
