Structural Strain Theory Flashcards

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

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?

Merton stated that deviance is an outcome of an imbalance in the social system. Signup and view all the answers

When may anomie arise according to structural strain theory?

When there is an imbalance between socially approved goals and socially approved means of achieving them. Signup and view all the answers

What is innovation in the context of structural strain theory?

Accepting the goal but finding the approved means blocked. Signup and view all the answers

What is conformity in the context of socialization?

Accepting the goals and the means of achieving them. Signup and view all the answers

List the institutions of socialization.

Family, education, workplace, media, peer groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of social control?

The enforcement of conformity through law or social measures, or the maintenance of the status quo. Signup and view all the answers

What is ritualism in structural strain theory?

Abandoning the goals but accepting the means of achieving them. Signup and view all the answers

Define retreatism.

Abandoning both goals and means. Signup and view all the answers

What does rebellion entail in structural strain theory?

Abandoning both goals and means and replacing them with their own disapproved goals and means. Signup and view all the answers

What was Cohen's point about deviant subcultures?

Gangs are composed of lower-class boys who seek respect through 'hell-raising' due to lack of means to achieve success. Signup and view all the answers

Where does the theory propose deviance stems from?

From social structures and the institutions of socialization. Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory explain regarding why people deviate?

It explains the conditions and strains that lead individuals to deviate from social norms. Signup and view all the answers

What is one limitation of structural strain theory regarding other forms of deviance?

It has trouble explaining why other forms of deviance, like exhibitionism, occur. Signup and view all the answers

How does structural strain theory explain deviance among rich people?

It doesn't explain why rich people resort to deviant means for further wealth accumulation. Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory suggest about social disadvantage in Macquarie Fields?

It is viewed as the reason for why youths became deviants. Signup and view all the answers

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.

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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

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.