mertons strain theory

• strain theory

  • argues people become deviant when they can't achieve by legitimate means
  • the strain between the goals culture encourages and what the structure of society allows them to achieve
• the american dream

  • expected to pursue goals through self discipline and hard work
  • suggests society is meritocratic but the reality is different, many disadvantaged people are denied legitimate success e.g inadequate schools and discrimination might block opportunities
  • causes frustration and a pressure to resort to means such as crime
  • goal creates a pressure to succeed, lack of opportunities creates a pressure to adopt illegitimate means
• deviant adaptations to strain

  • a persons position in society affects the way they respond to strain
• conformity

  • individuals accept the goals and strive to achieve them legitimately
  • likely among m/c
• innovation

  • accept the goals but use 'new' illegal means to achieve e.g theft
  • likely among those at the lower end of class structure
• ritualism

  • give up on achieving goals but follow the rules for their own sake
  • likely to be m/c workers in dead end jobs
• retreatism

  • reject goals and means
  • become dropouts, outcasts, addicts etc
• rebellion

  • reject existing goals and means but replace them with new ones in hopes of creating a new society
  • political radicals, hippies