Sociology: Anomie and Strain Theories

A theoretical perspective assuming general agreement on societal values and norms, viewing social institutions as contributing to societal order.

A theoretical perspective arguing that laws reflect the interests of powerful groups, who use them to maintain their dominance.

A state of normlessness or lack of social regulation, leading to increased crime and social disorder.

A theory explaining crime as a result of strain or pressure experienced by individuals who are unable to achieve societal goals through legitimate means.

The idea that crime is a consequence of relative deprivation, where individuals feel deprived compared to others in their social group, even if their standard of living is relatively high.

The use of punishment, especially for elite misdeeds, which could influence public morality by demonstrating the severity of the consequences for breaking the law.

Targeting punishment towards offenses where it is likely to be ineffective and neglecting offenses where it could have a greater impact on behavior change.

A theory that recognizes strains arising from both societal features and individual situations, acknowledging the complexities of factors contributing to criminal behavior.

In Durkheim's theory, social solidarity represents the shared goals and values that bind individuals within a society, leading to a common set of norms and expectations.

Durkheim's concept that emphasizes the essential role of socially shared norms in maintaining order and stability within societies. Without shared norms, societies struggle to function efficiently.

Durkheim's theory that in more complex, urban societies, a higher degree of specialization and division of labor can lead to a weakening of social norms, resulting in an increased likelihood of anomie and crime.

Merton's concept that goals, like wealth and status, are widely accepted as desirable by society. These goals are often embedded in culture and transmitted to members of the society.

Merton's idea that the socially structured means of achieving culturally prescribed aspirations are unevenly distributed. Access to resources like education and good jobs can vary for different social groups.

Merton's theory that when individuals experience a gap between their aspirations and the means to achieve those aspirations, they may engage in deviant or criminal behaviors as a means to cope with that strain.

Durkheim's idea that premodern societies were relatively crime-free is incorrect.

Merton's theory explains differences in crime rates based on social class, but not gender differences.

Strain theory helps understand why individuals, gangs, and even corporations engage in unethical behavior.

Anomie theory can be used to explain deviance in transitioning societies moving towards democracy.

Strain theory, differential association, and control theory can be combined to offer a more comprehensive understanding of crime.

Providing opportunities for the disadvantaged helps them integrate into society, leading to stronger bonds and belief in rules.

Individuals who are bonded to others who rationalize criminal behavior and face similar limited opportunities are more likely to engage in crime.

Learning theories focus on positive relationships with deviant individuals, control theories emphasize lack of attachment to others, and strain theory highlights negative experiences and lack of control, all contributing to delinquency.

Crime rates are lower in cities with a greater mix of socioeconomic classes, where both lower-class and middle-class residents live together.

Delinquency is more common among youth growing up in lower-class areas compared to middle-class areas.

People with high levels of power may abuse their positions for personal gain, leading to crimes of corruption and abuse.

Individuals from privileged backgrounds may commit crimes due to an intense focus on achieving success and accumulating wealth, often through unethical or illegal means.

Strain theory suggests that crime arises when people feel frustrated or stressed due to a lack of legitimate opportunities to achieve societal goals.

Strain theory proposes that societal changes, such as economic shifts or social inequalities, can lead to a weakening of social controls and an increase in crime.

Strain theory can inform crime prevention strategies that address social inequalities and provide legitimate opportunities for individuals.

Strain theory emphasizes the importance of addressing societal inequalities and providing opportunities for all members of society.

A state of anomie where individuals prioritize self-interest over collective values, leading them to pursue their desires without considering the consequences for the group.

Cultures that heavily emphasize financial success while downplaying lawful means to achieve it experience high rates of instrumental crime. This is particularly true when opportunities for legitimate wealth are unevenly distributed.

Crimes committed to gain material wealth or resources.

Anomie and strain are characteristics of societal structures rather than individual traits. When a society prioritizes monetary success over legitimate means, it creates a breeding ground for crime.

Societies where structural features create unequal access to legitimate opportunities are more likely to experience pockets of instrumental crime.

Cultures that emphasize ruthless pursuit of wealth, even with equal opportunity, tend to have higher crime rates. Such societies promote the use of any methods, even illegal ones, to achieve financial success.

The American Dream, emphasizing monetary success with weakened emphasis on legal means, creates a conducive environment for individuals to resort to illegal methods to achieve wealth and status.

When one social institution, such as the economy, dominates others, it weakens societal restraints and increases the potential for crime. The economic focus undermines the importance of other institutions like family, education, and community.

A societal condition where individuals are encouraged to strive for success (especially monetary) but lack the legitimate means to achieve it, leading to crime.

A theory that argues crime can be attributed to frustration and anger experienced by individuals in negative environments, especially when lacking legitimate alternatives, resulting in violent outbursts and delinquency.

Delinquent subcultures emerge when legitimate opportunities are scarce, leading to three types: criminal, conflict, and retreatist, each with its own values and means of achieving success.

The idea that manufacturing job losses and economic decline in inner cities have led to a code of the street, where young people see violence as a means to achieve status and respect.

An extension of strain theory that contends that pressure for success, even from legitimate sources, can lead to corporate and white-collar crime.