Merton's Strain Theory Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What do strain theories argue?

People engage in deviant behavior when they achieve goals legitimately

People do not engage in any form of deviant behavior

People engage in deviant behavior when unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means (correct)

People achieve their goals without any form of societal influence

Who created the first strain theory?

Robert Merton

What creates crime according to Merton's theory?

Structural factors and cultural factors

What is the 'American Dream' ideology?

A meritocratic ideology that tells Americans they can succeed through hard work and legitimate means Signup and view all the answers

What does Merton explain about deviant adaptations to strain?

Individuals adapt to strain based on their position in the social structure Signup and view all the answers

What is conformity in Merton's strain theory?

Accepting culturally approved goals and striving to achieve them legitimately Signup and view all the answers

What is innovation in Merton's strain theory?

Rejecting conventional means to achieve wealth and turning to illegal methods Signup and view all the answers

What is ritualism in Merton's strain theory?

Following rules for their own sake and being in dead-end jobs Signup and view all the answers

What is retreatism in Merton's strain theory?

Rejecting both the goals and means of society Signup and view all the answers

What does rebellion in Merton's strain theory imply?

Seeking to replace shared goals and means with radical alternatives Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of Merton's strain theory?

It doesn't explain why some individuals commit crime while others conform. Signup and view all the answers

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.