Questions and Answers
What does structural strain theory explain?
Deviance as the outcome of social strains that put pressure on some people to deviate.
Define anomie.
The state of being without law or norms, where individuals feel aimless and without guidance.
How is Durkheim's concept of anomie applied to structural strain theory?
Anomie is likely to arise in modern societies due to their diversity, which can create confusion over norms.
What was Merton's application of Durkheim's concept?
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When may anomie arise according to structural strain theory?
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What is innovation in the context of structural strain theory?
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What is conformity in the context of socialization?
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List the institutions of socialization.
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What is the purpose of social control?
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What is ritualism in structural strain theory?
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Define retreatism.
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What does rebellion entail in structural strain theory?
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What was Cohen's point about deviant subcultures?
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Where does the theory propose deviance stems from?
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What does the theory explain regarding why people deviate?
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What is one limitation of structural strain theory regarding other forms of deviance?
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How does structural strain theory explain deviance among rich people?
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What does the theory suggest about social disadvantage in Macquarie Fields?
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Study Notes
Structural Strain Theory Overview
- Structural strain theory explains deviance as a result of social strains that compel individuals to deviate from societal norms.
Key Terminology
- Anomie: A state of lawlessness or normlessness, leading to feelings of aimlessness and lack of guidance among individuals.
Origin of Concepts
- Durkheim's Anomie: Emilie Durkheim describes anomie in modern societies as confusion over norms due to diversity, resulting in unclear moral guidelines.
Merton's Adaptation
- Merton's Application: Robert Merton applied Durkheim's concept to deviance, suggesting it stems from an imbalance within the social system.
Causes of Anomie
- Anomie arises when there is a discrepancy between socially approved goals and the means available to achieve them.
Responses to Strain
- Innovation: Individuals may accept societal goals (e.g., achieving high grades) but resort to deviant means (e.g., cheating) when legitimate channels are blocked.
- Conformity: Embraces both goals and means, representing the intended outcome of socialization through proper institutions.
- Ritualism: Rejects societal goals while adhering to established means, often exemplified by bureaucratic obsession with rules.
- Retreatism: Represents a total abandonment of both societal goals and means.
- Rebellion: Involves rejecting established goals and means, replacing them with new, often radical alternatives.
Social Dynamics within Deviance
- Cohen's View on Subcultures: Gangs arise among lower-class youth as a response to inability to succeed through normative channels, leading to alternative achievements that conform to gang norms.
Nature of Deviance
- Deviance is viewed as originating from social structures and institutions rather than inherent qualities of individuals.
Explanations of Deviance
- The theory provides insights into why individuals deviate from societal norms.
Limitations of the Theory
- It struggles to explain forms of deviance unrelated to strain, such as exhibitionism.
- Fails to account for deviance among affluent individuals, particularly in the context of white-collar crimes.
Contextual Application
- The theory interprets social disadvantage in specific areas (e.g., Macquarie Fields) as a critical factor influencing youth deviance.
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts of Structural Strain Theory and its relation to social deviance. Explore terms like anomie and the theoretical contributions of Emilie Durkheim. Perfect for students studying sociology or related fields.
