Theories Flashcards
Strain Theory
Robert K. Merton
Anomie (normlessness)
Gap between cultural goals and means to achieve them
Strain Theory 5 Types of Adaptations 1) Conformists 2) Innovators 3) Ritualists 4) Retreatists 5) Rebellionists
Robert Merton
1) accept goals (+) and legitimate means (+)
2) accept goals (+) and reject means (-)
3) reject goals (-) and accept means (+)
4) reject goals (-) and reject means (-)
5) reject goals and means, but want to replace both
Process theory/Symbolic Interactionist Theory/Social Learning Theory
Edwin Sutherland Differential Association How do people learn deviant behavior? Response to Merton Deviance comes from motivations and desires learned from group you hang out with
Control Theory
Why do we conform?
Travis Hirschi
Bonds are based on: attachments, commitments, involvements, beliefs
bonds w/ people who adhere to mainstream norms and values
Walter Reckless
Inner controls and outer controls
Labeling Theory - Kai Erikson
Kai Erikson
Structure functionalist/interactionist
commitment ceremonies
Differential Opportunity Theory
Cloward and Ohlin
Strain theory
Deviant beh depends upon access to opportunities
3 types of subcultures:
Criminal (access to role models)
Conflict (violence to gain status)
Retreatist (withdraw from society, double losers)
Reaction Theory
Albert Cohen
Middle class measuring rod
status frustration
Reaction Theory 3 Subcultures 1) College boys 2) Corner boys 3) Delinquent boys
Albert Cohen
1) rarely found, separate from home boys in order to succeed
2) most frequent, skip school, hang out on corner, most visible
3) nonutilitarian, malicious, negative behavior to oppose mainstream society
Lower Class Culture Theory
Walter Miller
Focal Concerns as norms:
Trouble, Toughness, Autonomy, Street Smarts, Excitement, Fate
Labeling Theory - Edwin Lemert
Primary and secondary deviance
Primary - not defined as deviant
Secondary - defined and officially labelled as deviant
Labeling Theory - Howard Becker
deviance is not in the act itself, but rather in how society responds to it 4 Parts: Dev. is socially created by rules Dev. is selectively enforced Labeling affects sense of self (stigma) Self-fulfilling prophecy/career contingencies Two Groups: rule creators and enforcers Moral entrepreneurfs
Conflict Theory
Richard Quinney law as an instrument of oppression higher classes make rules to protect their values lower class receives harsher punishment
Feminist Criminologist
Meda Chesney-Lind
gender stratification
runaway girls from abusive homes
Social Constructionism - Joel Best
Joel Best
labeling and conflict theory melded
why some things become topics of public concern at certain times
Social Constructionism - Kitsuse and Spector
Social problems as "claims" Important claim making groups: poitical and economic elites activists media coverage
