strain theory - functionalism

Question 1

why does crime/deviance happen?

Answer 1

as a result of strain between the cultural goals and structural factors

Question 2

structural factors

Answer 2

society’s unequal opportunity structure

Question 3

cultural factors

Answer 3

the strong emphasis on success and weaker emphasis on achieving these through legitimate means

Question 4

the ideology of the american dream

Answer 4

american society is meritocratic and anyone who makes the effort can get ahead and so everyone is expected to achieve through legitimate means - a good job. However, disadvantaged people may not be able to achieve this legitimately. in reality people are restricted by social structures causing a ‘strain to anomie’.

Question 5

5 adaptations to strain

Answer 5

individuals adapt to strain differently leading some people to commit criminal or deviant acts more than others.

Question 6

conformity

Answer 6

accepting the goal and striving to achieve it by legitimate means

Question 7

innovation

Answer 7

accepting the goal but using illegitimate means to achieve it. this is typical of those who lack legitimate opportunities.

Question 8

ritualism

Answer 8

giving up on the goal, but internalised the legitimate means - so follow the rules anyway.

Question 9

retreatism

Answer 9

rejecting both the goals and the means and become dropouts

Question 10

rebellion

Answer 10

individuals reject the existing society’s goals and means, but they replace them with new ones and desire to create a new kind of society