Sociology: Anomie and Strain Theories

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Questions and Answers

What does Durkheim’s concept of anomie refer to?

An increase in social cohesion

A lack of social regulation (correct)

The role of education in crime

The absence of economic factors

How did Merton modify Durkheim's anomie theory?

By emphasizing social conformity

By introducing the concept of relative deprivation (correct)

By focusing solely on societal norms

By eliminating the idea of social structure

According to strain theories, where is punishment more frequently applied?

Where it is most effective

In situations of high societal strain

Where it has little impact on behavior (correct)

In cases of minor infractions

What characteristic distinguishes consensus perspective from conflict perspective?

Consensus assumes agreement on social issues Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of increasing the threat of punishment for elite misdeeds?

It may improve public morality Signup and view all the answers

What triggers crime within the framework of the consensus perspective?

An unusual disruption to social institutions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of social institutions according to strain theories?

They play a role in maintaining social order Signup and view all the answers

Strains can arise from which types of factors?

Either societal features or individual situations Signup and view all the answers

What did Durkheim shift the focus of crime theories towards?

Sociological variables Signup and view all the answers

Merton's theories primarily address which aspect of crime causation?

Social class differences Signup and view all the answers

In the context of strain theories, what likely increases criminal behavior?

Rationalization of behavior among peers Signup and view all the answers

Agnew's strain theory explains delinquency as a result of what?

Negative relations and experiences Signup and view all the answers

How do strain theory, differential association, and control theory relate to one another?

They complement each other Signup and view all the answers

What social condition is likely to reinforce criminal behavior according to the converging theories?

Blocked opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of societies does Durkheim incorrectly view as relative to crime levels?

Premodern societies Signup and view all the answers

What is a key implication of applying strain theory effectively?

Greater social bonding with the community Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between class mix and crime rates according to Braithwaite?

Greater class mix results in lower crime rates. Signup and view all the answers

According to Braithwaite, what is a consequence of having too much power?

It can result in corruption and upper-class crime. Signup and view all the answers

What approach is suggested for crime prevention in poor areas?

Provide legitimate opportunities through education and job training. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emphasizes that crime occurs due to strains affecting social institutions?

Strain theory. Signup and view all the answers

What does Braithwaite propose as a method to reduce disintegrative shaming?

Utilize reintegrative shaming. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor contributing to crime, according to Merton?

The gap between societal aspirations and means Signup and view all the answers

According to Braithwaite, which factor contributes to lower rates of delinquency among youth?

Living in predominantly middle-class areas. Signup and view all the answers

What is one likely consequence of modernity, as noted by Durkheim?

Weakening of social controls. Signup and view all the answers

How do Messner and Rosenfeld view the role of American culture in crime?

It emphasizes monetary success while weakening restraints. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cited outcome of economic inequality according to Braithwaite?

Modification of factors that lead to crime. Signup and view all the answers

What tends to happen to adolescents in negative environments according to Agnew's theory?

They become frustrated and may resort to delinquency. Signup and view all the answers

According to Cloward, what characteristic is associated with illegitimate opportunities?

They are not equally accessible to everyone. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the exportation of manufacturing jobs have according to Anderson?

It increased violence and toughness among young people. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes micro-anomie according to the content?

Emphasis on individual self-interest over the collective good Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant implication of cultures that emphasize monetary success?

Increased likelihood of criminal and deviant acts Signup and view all the answers

What does Bernard's theory suggest about strain and social structures?

Strain/anomie are intrinsic properties of social structures Signup and view all the answers

What combination does Messner and Rosenfeld's theory link to increased crime potential?

Emphasis on monetary success with weak restraints on means Signup and view all the answers

How does uneven distribution of legitimate opportunities relate to crime rates?

It results in pockets of instrumental crime Signup and view all the answers

What describes the societal impact of an emphasis on monetary success?

Heightens potential for crime due to legal means being undermined Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary institution that Messner and Rosenfeld identify as dominating others in American society?

The economy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the cultural features of a society with high crime rates?

Focus on ruthless pursuit of wealth Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of anomie primarily associated with in Durkheim's theory?

A breakdown of societal norms during rapid social change Signup and view all the answers

According to Merton, what is a significant cause of crime in society?

The gap between aspirations and the means to achieve them Signup and view all the answers

What does Durkheim suggest happens when social cohesion breaks down?

A significant rise in crime rates Signup and view all the answers

What role does cultural aspiration play in Merton's explanation of deviance?

It can lead to frustration when the means are inaccessible to some. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects Durkheim's views on crime?

Crime may play a role in the establishment of social solidarity. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary outcomes of heterogeneity and increased division of labor, according to Durkheim?

Weakened societal norms and control mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Durkheim’s notion of social solidarity?

Shared goals that create a set of guiding norms Signup and view all the answers

How does Merton view the access to legitimate means of achieving goals in society?

It often favours wealthy and majority groups. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Strain Theories

Strain theory is part of the consensus tradition, meaning social institutions contribute to the smooth running of society.
Crime occurs when something unusual disrupts these institutions. This creates strain, stress, or frustration affecting people's behaviour.
Durkheim's theory emphasizes social cohesion and restraints on crime.
Merton's theory accounts for the realities of American society, highlighting the gap between culturally-prescribed aspirations and socially structured means to achieve them.

Durkheim: The Functions of Crime and Anomie

Durkheim was a French sociologist who wrote Division of Labour in Society (1893).
He introduced the concept of social solidarity, where shared goals lead to shared norms crucial for societal function.
Anomie (normlessness) explains crime in urban societies, where norms are weak and provide little guidance. Rapid social changes can lead to anomie as well.

Merton: The Gap Between Aspirations and Means

Merton applied Durkheim's concept of anomie to American society in 1938.
Culturally-prescribed aspirations focus on wealth and status accumulation.
Socially-structured means, such as schooling and job opportunities are not always equal and are unevenly distributed across society.
This gap between aspirations and means can lead to deviance.

Merton: Micro-anomie

The individual may focus on self-interest rather than collective values.
The pursuit can ignore the impact of these actions on groups.

Strain as a Feature of Society

Factors like social structures contribute significantly to crime.
High emphasis on monetary success but lack of legitimate means creates pockets of crime.
Cultures that emphasize wealth accumulation, despite equal opportunity, will have widespread crime.
Messner and Rosenfeld's theory of institutional anomie emphasises the dominant role of the economy, overwhelming other systems in North America.

Strain as a Feature of Individuals

Agnew's theory focuses on strains on individuals, which can be direct, anticipated, or vicarious.
Strain, to lead to delinquency has specific characteristics like high magnitude, injustice, and weak social control.
Strain is more likely to lead to delinquency when the resultant crime is successful, or when resolution involves antisocial contacts.

The Shift from Control to Opportunity Structures

Durkheim's theory centred on social cohesion and restrictions preventing crimes.
Merton shifted focus to opportunity structures, recognizing the gap between aspirations and means (uneven wealth distribution).
Societies with substantial strain disproportionately affect certain groups (urban slums, for example).

Richard Cloward: Illegitimate Opportunity Structures

Cloward's theory suggests strain alone doesn't result in deviance without access to those opportunities.
People can participate in certain deviance based on access to opportunities.
Cloward classified subcultures based on their deviant means, including criminal, conflict, and retreatist.

Marginal Opportunity Structures

Marginal opportunity structures exist when crime is adapted to particular needs/pressures, and take place in settings beyond traditional crime settings like crime in public restrooms, or street life in Vancouver.
These environments expose individuals to heightened risks of crime. This results in both direct and indirect crime opportunities through contacts and interactions.

Anderson (1999): The Code of the Street

Anderson's theory discusses how exporting manufacturing jobs overseas has created disparities within communities, particularly for minorities, forcing the adoption of a "code of the street" as a means of achieving and showing status.

Policy Implications

Crime prevention strategies involve creating legitimate opportunities and support systems (educational programs, job training, etc.)
These aim to improve social bonding and lower strain.
Reducing the gap between the rich and poor is also a key component with restorative justice to help facilitate change with those marginalized.

Assessing Strain Theories

Strain theories effectively explain the relationship between social classes, but don't fully address gender differences.
Studies show how strain theories are applicable to unethical behaviour in corporations and individuals involved in activities like gangs.
Strain theories are used to help understand crime and deviance in rapidly changing societies.

The Convergence of Strain Theory and Others

Strain, differential association, and control theories can be used together to explain crime.
Effective policy can help facilitate more social bonding and reinforce the social rules of the larger community.
All three conditions act together to increase criminal behaviour.

Summary

Strain theory is part of the consensus tradition, where social institutions affect the behaviours of individuals.
The issues related to the relationship of strain on societal and individual levels are explored in detail.
Policies to prevent crime could be developed using this perspective in an effort to address the root causes.

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Description

Explore key concepts in sociology, focusing on Durkheim's anomie and Merton's modifications. This quiz covers theories of crime causation, the role of social institutions, and the relationship between strain and criminal behavior. Gain a deeper understanding of how various sociological perspectives address these important issues.