Morton’s strain theory

• What does Merton offer as a reason for crime?

  Strain between goals and abilities
• What does Merton mean by "strain" in his theory?

  Conflict between societal goals and individual abilities
• How does Merton adapt Durkheim's concept of anomie?

  To explain deviance as a result of strain
• What are the two elements Merton argues cause deviance?

  1. Goals encouraged by culture
  2. Legitimate means allowed by society
• What do strain theories argue about deviant behavior?

  It occurs when goals can't be achieved legitimately
• What might individuals do when frustrated by their inability to achieve goals?

  Resort to criminal means or drug use
• What cultural goal does Merton use to illustrate his theory?

  The American dream of money success
• How are Americans expected to pursue the goal of money success?

  Through self-discipline and hard work
• What barriers do disadvantaged groups face in achieving success?

  Poverty, inadequate schools, and discrimination
• What does Merton call the pressure to deviate?

  The strain to anomie
• What creates pressure to adopt illegitimate means according to Merton?

  • Cultural goal of money success
  • Lack of legitimate opportunities
• What are the five types of adaptation in Merton's strain theory?

  1. Innovation
  2. Retreatism
  3. Rebellion
  4. Conformity
  5. Ritualism
• What is the adaptation of innovation in Merton's theory?

  Accepting money success but using illegitimate means
• Who is thought to adapt through innovation?

  Lower classes
• What does retreatism involve in Merton's adaptation types?

  Rejecting both goals and legitimate means
• What does rebellion entail in Merton's theory?

  Rejecting existing goals and means, replacing them
• Who might be considered political rebels in Merton's theory?

  Hippies and activists
• What is a strength of Merton's theory?

  • Explains patterns in official crime statistics
  • Accounts for high property crime rates
  • Explains high crime rates in lower classes
• What are criticisms of Merton's strain theory?


  • Takes official crime statistics at face value
  • Assumes all working-class people will deviate
  • Ignores non-utilitarian crimes
• What does Merton's theory assume about societal goals?

  Everyone strives for money success
• What type of crime does Merton's theory primarily focus on?

  Utilitarian crime for monetary gain
• What types of crime does Merton's theory fail to explain?

  Violent, vandalism, and state crimes