Merton's Strain Theory Flashcards

Study Notes

Strain Theory Overview

Strain theories propose that individuals engage in deviant behavior when they cannot attain socially approved goals through legitimate means.
Functionalist Robert Merton developed the strain theory, influenced by Durkheim's concept of anomie to explain deviance.

Crime and Structural Factors

Crime arises from a combination of societal structural inequalities and cultural expectations regarding success.
Societies emphasize the achievement of goals while offering limited legitimate means to attain them, leading to deviance.

The American Dream

The American Dream encourages pursuit through hard work, education, and discipline, presenting a meritocratic ideal.
Disadvantaged groups face barriers to legitimate achievement, such as inadequate schooling, which inhibit their access to opportunities.

Deviant Adaptations to Strain

Merton identifies various adaptations individuals can make in response to societal strain, shaped by their position within the social structure.

Conformity

The majority cope with societal pressures by striving legitimately for culturally approved goals, demonstrating commitment to societal norms.

Innovation

Some retain strong commitment to goals but reject conventional means, resorting to illegal methods like theft and fraud for financial success.
Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more prone to innovation due to increased pressures.

Ritualism

Some individuals abandon material aspirations but adhere to societal rules, finding satisfaction in mundane jobs, often leading to dead-end careers.

Retreatism

A minority rejects both societal goals and legitimate means, opting to disengage from society; this group includes individuals like tramps and drug addicts.

Rebellion

Some individuals may challenge existing societal goals and means, seeking to replace them with radical alternatives, potentially employing violence.

Evaluation of Merton's Theory

Merton's theory does not account for why some individuals commit crimes while others conform.
It addresses economic crime but neglects violence and sexual offenses that do not aim for material gain.
The theory overlooks group behaviors, such as gang-related crimes, and fails to consider white-collar and corporate crimes arising from access rather than blocked opportunities.

Description

Explore Merton's strain theory through these flashcards that discuss the relationship between societal goals and deviant behavior. Understand how individuals may resort to non-conformity when legitimate means to achieve success are blocked. Delve into the concepts of anomie and deviance as described by Robert Merton.