Merton's Strain Theory Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is a strain theory?

A theory that people engage in deviant behaviour when they are unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means.

Whose research did Merton expand upon to create this theory?

Durkheim's study of Anomie.

What things does Merton state that result in a strain?

Structural factors such as society's unequal opportunity structure and cultural factors that emphasize success goals.

How does the 'American Dream' link to Merton's theory?

<p>The theory posits that American society is meritocratic, but disadvantaged groups are denied legitimate opportunities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the strain result in criminal and deviant behaviour?

<p>Increased strain leads individuals to experience pressure, resulting in the use of illegitimate means to achieve society's goals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would Merton describe the response of Conformity as?

<p>A non-deviant, non-criminal, conformist citizen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would Merton describe the response of Innovation as?

<p>That many social factors mean that some people cannot achieve goals by approved means, leading them to crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would Merton describe the response of Ritualism as?

<p>Where people give up on achieving goals yet still stick to their means.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would Merton describe the response of Retreatism as?

<p>Dropouts of society that reject both goals and means altogether.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would Merton describe the response of Rebellion as?

<p>Where they reject both the goals and means of society, replacing them with new ones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Give a criticism of Merton involving consensus.

<p>He takes for granted that there is consensus amongst common goals and values.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Give a criticism of Merton involving individuals.

<p>He focuses on the responses of individuals and fails to recognize that there is a social pattern of crime linked to CAGEL.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is Merton's theory contradictory?

<p>It implies that people are passive victims of their circumstances while suggesting they choose their own paths.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which crimes does Merton's theory not explain?

<p>Violent crime and collective forms of crime such as gang crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Sumner's support of Merton?

<p>He states that Merton has uncovered the main cause of crime in modern society as the disillusion with impossible goals set by capitalism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Cashmore's support of Merton?

<p>That young African-Caribbean individuals in Britain are encouraged to pursue material success but their opportunities are blocked.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Reiner's support of Merton?

<p>That financial success is the main source of status, but not everyone has access to the means of achieving this success.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Merton's Strain Theory Overview

  • Strain theory suggests individuals may engage in deviant behavior when unable to achieve societal goals through legitimate means.
  • Merton expanded this theory from Durkheim's research on Anomie, indicating societal disconnection.

Sources of Strain

  • Strain arises from structural factors such as societal inequality and cultural factors emphasizing success over legitimate means.
  • This disconnect causes pressure on individuals to conform to cultural goals, leading to potential deviance.

American Dream Connection

  • The concept of the American Dream promotes the idea of meritocracy but often overlooks the barriers disadvantaged groups face in achieving success.

Criminal and Deviant Behavior

  • As the gap between cultural aspirations and available legitimate opportunities widens, individuals may resort to illegitimacy, prioritizing goal achievement over rules.

Responses to Strain

  • Conformity: Non-deviant individuals adhering to societal norms.
  • Innovation: Individuals turn to crime as an alternative means of achieving societal goals due to blocked paths.
  • Ritualism: Individuals abandon the quest for goals but continue to adhere strictly to means.
  • Retreatism: Individuals reject both the societal goals and means, effectively "dropping out" of society.
  • Rebellion: Individuals reject established goals and means, seeking to replace them with their alternative ideals.

Criticisms of Merton's Theory

  • Consensus Assumption: Critics argue Merton assumes agreement on societal values and overlooks diverse motivations such as job satisfaction over income.
  • Individual Focus: Merton is criticized for emphasizing individual responses while neglecting broader social patterns related to crime.

Contradictory Nature of the Theory

  • Merton's theory implies individuals are passive victims of circumstances but also suggests they actively choose their paths.

Limitations of the Theory

  • Does not adequately explain violent crime or collective criminal activities, including gang violence and white-collar crime.

Support for Merton's Theory

  • Sumner: Believes Merton identifies disillusionment with unattainable capitalist goals as a primary cause of crime in modern society.
  • Cashmore: Points out that young African-Caribbean individuals in Britain face barriers to achieving societal material success, aligning with Merton's theory.
  • Reiner: Emphasizes that in contemporary society, financial success remains a key status source, yet inequalities persist, limiting access to legitimate means of achievement.

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Description

Explore Merton's Strain Theory which explains how societal pressures can lead individuals to engage in deviant behavior when legitimate means to achieve goals are unavailable. This overview delves into sources of strain, connections to the American Dream, and various responses to strain. Discover how societal inequalities impact behaviors and conformity.

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