Strain theory Flashcards
What does Merton develop his strain theory from?
Durkheim’s concept of anomie
Anomie
A world of normless in which not everyone is equally committed to society’s collective conscience
When do people engage in deviant behaviour?
When they are unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means
The American dream
The desire for success and wealth
What does the ‘dream state’?
Anyone, regardless of status, can achieve it, with the emphasis being on how much you strive for success
What is the legitimate way of achieving the dream or goal?
Meritocracy
Meritocracy
Hard work, educational qualifications, talent, drive, determination and ambition
What is the pressure to deviate called?
A strain to anomie, where norms no longer guide behaviour and anything goes
Myth of meritocracy
Not everyone has an equal chance of success due to stratification in society
Who experiences the strain to anomie most?
The working class who still want the dream but cannot access the means and thus the goals
When does deviance arise?
When the approved ways of achieving society’s goals do not correspond with the actual situation indiviuals are in
Different reactions to the strain to anomie:
Conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, rebellion
Criticism of strain theory
Assumes there is a value consensus, that everyone strives for monetary success and ignores the possibility that many may not share this goal
