Module 6: Strain Theory

Question 1

Strain Theory

Answer 1

Social institutions normally all contribute to the smooth running of society. Crime occurs when something unusual happens that affects some or all institutions. Creates strains, stresses, frustrations.

Question 2

Social Structure

Answer 2

The patterned and relatively stable arrangement of roles and statuses found within societies and social institutions.

Question 3

Culturally Prescribed Aspirations

Answer 3

Aspirations are not entirely self-created; defined by culture and transmitted by other members of society.

Question 4

Merton’s Five Forms of Adaptations

Answer 4

Conformity
Ritualism 
Innovation
Retreatism
Rebellion.

Question 5

Conformity

Answer 5

Accept mainstream goals and has legitimate means to achieve them.

Question 6

Ritualism

Answer 6

Goals are less important, but means are still adhered to.

Question 7

Innovation

Answer 7

Accept mainstream goals, but reject, or are unable to use legitimate means.

Question 8

Retreatism

Answer 8

Reject societal goals and means.

Question 9

Rebellion

Answer 9

Reject goals and means by replacing them with alternative goals and means.

Question 10

Durkheim Strain Theory

Answer 10

Anomie (weak social regulation).

Modernity leads to the weakening of social controls, and rates of deviance increased.

Question 11

Merton Strain Theory

Answer 11

Anomie (the gap between aspirations and means).
Crime occurs when there is a gap between culturally prescribed aspirations and socially structured means for realizing those aspirations.

Question 12

Messner, Rosenfeld

Answer 12

Institutional Anomie.
Strong pressures to succeed monetarily and weak restraints on the means to succeed in a society that emphasizes economics leads to crime.

Question 13

Agnew

Answer 13

General Strain.

Adolescents in unavoidable unpleasant environments face strain leading to anger and delinquency.

Question 14

Cloward

Answer 14

Opportunity Structures.
In addition to strains that create pressure towards criminal behaviour, there are different opportunity structures that may facilitate breaking the law (both legitimate and illegitimate).

Question 15

Anderson

Answer 15

Code of the Street.
Lack of employment opportunities lead to alternative ways of achieving respect; displaying toughness, taking other’s possessions, pulling a trigger. Builds reputation and prevents future challenges while creating other problems.

Question 16

Cohen

Answer 16

Middle-Class Measuring Rod. The goals and values that middle-class people hold function as social goals, which creates a source of strain for lower-class people. Retreat, conform, or reaction formation.

Question 17

Consensus Perspective

Answer 17

Most people share similar values; morality is universal’, customs persist, and law represents a codification of societal values.

Question 18

Conflict Perspective

Answer 18

Criminal law reflects the interests of the powerful groups that create and enforce those laws.

Question 19

Anomie

Answer 19

An absence of clear societal norms and values (Durkheim), or situation in which people would adopt deviant means to achieve goals beyond their means (Merton).

Question 20

Self-Enhancing Values

Answer 20

Values that emphasize social status, prestige, dominance over others, and personal success.

Question 21

Self-Transcending Values

Answer 21

Values that emphasize appreciation, tolerance, protection, and the welfare of others.

Question 22

Opportunity Structure

Answer 22

Opportunity is shaped by the way the society or an institution is organized or structured.

Question 23

Relative Deprivation

Answer 23

Deprivation in relation to others around you, rather than judged against an absolute standard.

Question 24

Absolute Deprivation

Answer 24

The inability to sustain oneself physically and materially.

Question 25

Human Capital

Answer 25

The talents and capabilities that individuals contribute to the governments.