Merton

• Claims

  • social structure theory, Functionalism - Strain Theory
  • the American Dream encourages individuals to pursue a goal of success which is measured in terms of possessions and wealth
  • society doesn't provide means for everyone to achieve the same goals
  • people tun to illegitimate means to achieve social goals
• Components

  • 5 responses to not achieving the American Dream
  • conformity: continue to try
  • ritualism: give up, become ritualistic
  • innovation: turn to illegitimate means
  • retreatism: retreat from society
  • rebellion: rebel against society
• Credibility

  • explains the higher crime rates among lower social classes
  • first to suggest subcultures in society
  • lacks scientific credibility
  • cannot be tested
  • deterministic
  • reductionist
• Application

  • Jordan Belfort: committed economic crimes to achieve the American Dream
• Refuting Evidence

  • Hirschi 1969: Merton's theory is not supported empirically
  • Taylor 1973: Merton fails to examine why elites break the law
• Supporting Evidence

  • Nightingale 1990: developed the theory and successfully applied it to inner city youths
  • Baumer 2007: analysed official data and found crime rates were higher in areas where 'a high commitment to monetary success' and 'a weak commitment to legitimate means' were seen