Questions and Answers
What do strain theories argue?
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?
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What does Merton explain about deviant adaptations to strain?
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What is conformity in Merton's strain theory?
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What is innovation in Merton's strain theory?
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What is ritualism in Merton's strain theory?
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What is retreatism in Merton's strain theory?
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What does rebellion in Merton's strain theory imply?
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What is a criticism of Merton's strain theory?
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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.
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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.