Strain Theory - Merton

Question 0

In Merton’s time the basis of theories of deviance were _. _ theories started to emerge.

Answer 0

Biological, sociological

Question 1

_ leads to _, which leads to _.

Answer 1

Anomie, strain, adaptation

Question 2

Merton’s theory/research:

• focus
• based on?
• type of theory

Answer 2

• Why are crime rates higher among lower status individuals?
• available data (arrest records), current beliefs
• macro/aggregate

Question 3

Theory derived from _ concept of _.

Answer 3

Durkheim’s, anomie

Question 4

Durkheim’s definition of anomie

Answer 4

condition of normlessness as a result of rapid and sudden social change

Question 5

Merton’s definition of anomie

Answer 5

feature built into certain societies - overemphasis on either social structure or cultural structure (creates imbalance)

Question 6

Cultural structure =

Societal structure =

Answer 6

Society’s goals

Legitimate means to achieve goals

Question 7

When do imbalances occur? (2)

Answer 7

1. Emphasis on legitimate means is not as strong as emphasis on goal itself
2. Legitimate means are not equally accessible to everyone

Question 8

5 adaptations

Answer 8

1. Conformity
2. Innovation
3. Ritualism
4. Retreatism
5. Rebellion

Question 9

Conformity: _ goals and _ means

Answer 9

Accept, accept

Question 10

Innovation: _ goals and _ means

- example

Answer 10

Accept, reject

- drug trafficking

Question 11

Ritualism: _ goals and _ means

Answer 11

Reject, accept

Question 12

Retreatism: _ goals and _ means

- examples (2)

Answer 12

Reject, reject

- homeless, suicide

Question 13

Rebellion: _ goals and _ means

-examples (2)

Answer 13

Reject and replace, reject and replace

- Castro, Amish

Question 14

Reject means and use “illegitimate” means to achieve goals

Answer 14

Innovation

Question 15

Overconformity - reject goals, accept means - content with not achieving goals

Answer 15

Ritualism

Question 16

Initially accept goals, but experience strain -> reject goals and means

Answer 16

Retreatism

Question 17

Transvaluation - reject and replace goals and means

Answer 17

Rebellion

Question 18

What perspective does Strain Theory come from?

Answer 18

Normative

Question 19

Contributions:
Emphasis on _ conditions, not _ - conditions systematically related to _ _ -> _ _
Implication of theory:
increase _ to _ _, reduce _, reduce _ _

Answer 19

societal, individual, social position, social change

Access, legitimate means, anomie, deviant behavior

Question 20

Criticisms: (4)

Answer 20

1. Assumption of value consensus - ignores that inability to achieve other goals causes strain
2. Strain is not causal
3. Doesn’t explain deviants that have access to legitimate means
4. What determines how people adapt?