strain theory

• Who developed the strain theory?

  Merton
• What concept is Merton's strain theory based on?

  Durkheim’s concept of anomie
• What does strain theory argue about deviant acts?

  They occur when goals can't be achieved legitimately
• What are socially approved goals?

  Goals deemed acceptable by society
• What are legitimate means?

  Acceptable ways to achieve goals
• What are the two key elements of Merton's theory?

  Structural and cultural factors
• What do structural factors refer to in Merton's theory?

  Society’s unequal opportunity structure
• What do cultural factors emphasize in Merton's theory?

  Success and less emphasis on legal means
• What is the American Dream according to Merton?

  The dream of achieving financial success
• What ideology does the American Dream promote?

  That society is meritocratic
• Why is the American Dream considered wrong by Merton?

  Many groups are disadvantaged and denied opportunities
• What happens when opportunities are blocked according to Merton?

  People become frustrated and use illegitimate means
• What are the adaptations to strain according to Merton?

  • Conformity: Accepts goals and means
  • Innovation: Accepts goals, rejects means
  • Ritualism: Rejects goals, accepts means
  • Retreatism: Rejects both goals and means
  • Rebellion: Rejects and replaces goals and means
• What does conformity mean in Merton's adaptations to strain?

  Accepting culturally approved goals and means
• What does innovation mean in Merton's adaptations to strain?

  Accepting goals but rejecting legitimate means
• What does ritualism mean in Merton's adaptations to strain?

  Rejecting goals but accepting legitimate means
• What does retreatism mean in Merton's adaptations to strain?

  Rejecting both approved goals and means
• What does rebellion mean in Merton's adaptations to strain?

  Rejecting and replacing goals and means
• How does Merton's theory explain normal and deviant behavior?

  Both arise from the same mainstream goals
• How does Merton's theory relate to official crime statistics?

  It helps explain patterns in crime statistics
• What does Merton see as a phenomenon of crime?

  Working class phenomenon
• What type of crime does Merton's theory overlook?

  White collar crime
• What assumption does Merton's theory make about society?

  It assumes there is a value consensus