neo functionalist view on crime

Question 1

merton: neo functionalist

Answer 1

strain theory

Question 2

what does the strain theory argue?

Answer 2

they engage in deviant behaviour when they are unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means

Question 3

e.g

Answer 3

they may become frustrated and resort to criminal means of getting what they want or lash out in anger

Question 4

the american dream

Answer 4

> their society is a meritocratic one where anyone who makes the effort can get ahead - opportunities for all

Question 5

the reality of the american dream

Answer 5

> disadvantaged groups are denied opportunities to achieve legitimately. e.g poverty, inadequate schools and discrimination in the job market may block opportunities for many minority ethnic groups and the lower classes
lack of legitimate opportunities to achieve produces frustration and this creates crime. merton called this ‘the strain to anomie’

Question 6

5 types of adaptations to the strain of anomie

Answer 6

conformity - accept the culturally approved goals and strive tov achieve them legitimately. middle class
innovation - accept the goal of money success but through illegitimate means such as theft or fraud. working class
ritualism - give up on trying to achieve goals, but have internalised the legitimate means so they follow the rules. lower middle class in dead end jobs.
retreatism - reject both the goals and legitimate means and become dropouts e.g drug addicts and outcasts
rebellion - reject society’s existing goals and means, but replace them with new ones in a desire to bring about revolutionary change e.g political radicals like hippies