Strain theory

• Strain theory

  Merton

  there is a strain between what people want and what is achievable in terms of opportunities
• Strain theory cultural goal

  Merton

  individuals want money - the American dream
• Strain theory institutional means

  Merton

  the way we legitimately gain success - being good at our job, good qualifications
• Strain theory responses

  Merton

  conformity- most common response - members of society conform both to the success goals and normative ways of reaching them
• Strain theory responses

  Merton

  innovation- when a person accepts the goals of society but rejects the socially institutional means - may turn to crime for financial rewards
• Strain theory responses

  Merton

  Ritualism- when the means are accepted and conformed to but the person loses sight of the goal
• Strain theory responses

  Merton

  retreatism- least common response- person unable to achieve success- abandon goals and means - vagrants, tramps, drug abusers
• Strain theory responses

  Merton

  rebellion- when a person rejects the current society with its stress on success and rejects the means - political radicalism and terrorism
• Strain theory strengths

  • gives us reasons for why people deviate (Anomie)
  • types of deviancy people may adopt
  • shows how culture and structure of society generates deviancy
  • statistics show a correlation between increased unemployment and crime - consistent with strain theory
• Strain theory weakness

  • no convincing reasons for crimes without monetary value
  • no explanation on why people chooses one form of deviance
  • Marxists- neglects the power relationship within society
  • Taylor- doesn't carry analysis far enough, doesn't consider who makes the laws