Strain theory Flashcards
Cause of criminality
people engage in deviant behaviour when they are unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means
Robert Merton
two elements to explain deviance
structural factors
societys unequal opportunity structure
cultural factors
the strong emphasis on success and the weaker emphasis on using legitimate means to achieve them
Merton Deviance
the result of a strain between the goals that a culture encourages individuals to achieve and what institution structures of society allows them to achieve
American Dream
money success, individual material wealth, high status
Legitimate means to achieve American Dream
self-discipline, study, educational qualifications and hard work in a career
ideology of the American Dream
society is meritocratic
anyone who makes the effort can get ahead
Reality of America
many disadvantaged groups are denied opportunities to achieve legtimately
American Strain
cultural goal of money and lack of legitimate opportunties produces frustration and individuals turn to illegtimate means (pressure to deviate)
pressure to deviate
increased by the fact the American culture puts the most emphasis on achieving success at any price
winning is more important than playing by the rules
Merton - society structure
an individuals position in the social structure affects how they adapt and respond to the strain
Conformity
individuals accept the culture
strive to achieve legitimately
Innovation
Accept the goal of the culture
but use new illegitmate means to achieve it
Ritualism
individuals give up reaching the culture
internalised legitimate rules
follow the rules for their own sake
