Anomie Strain Theory

Words: 1381
Pages: 6

Q1: Describe anomie and the differences in how Durkheim and Merton applied the theory. Cloward and Ohlin’s Differential Opportunity Theory is applied to understanding gangs and gang behavior, as read in the text. According to the application of this theory to gang research, what must be considered in understanding criminal learning environments of gangs? According to Robert Agnew’s General Strain Theory, strain leads to anger and frustration which leads to deviant behavior, but not all individuals respond to strain with crime and deviance. What types of strain are most likely to lead to deviant behavior and/or crime? The anomie/strain theory explains what causes humans to deviate from the norm; it is an understanding of deviance based on …show more content…
He suggested that the lack of regulation of societies needs was not fully to blame for deviance, "rather from a faulty relationship between cultural goals and the legitimate means to access them" (Inderbitzen 2013:148). He realized that America had an aspiration of the sky being the limit, and a yearn for success; however, the means they had to obtain success characterized their call to deviate. He suggested that these goals were "widespread" and Merton argued that social structure "restricts or completely eliminate access to approved modes of acquiring these symbols for a considerable part of the same population" (Inderbitzen 2013:148). Merton's theory proposed that the barriers to achieving every goal, introduced a society who deviates from the norm. The text explains this as "structural impediments", and identifies Merton's five adaptation to anomie: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion. Conformity is defined as accepting cultural goals and accepting the institutionalized means. Innovation as accepting cultural goals but not accepting the institutionalized means. Ritualism by not accepting cultural goals, but accepting the institutionalized means. Rebellion by rejecting both cultural goals and institutionalized means. An example of conformity, are those who have goals to achieve success and have accepted their means to do so: a high school graduate who enrolls in college full-time and begins a full-time job …show more content…
Crime rates in a major city appear to be located in particular neighborhoods closer to the city center. What are some important aspects a researcher would want to consider in choosing to examine the social disorder of neighborhoods and crime throughout the city? Explain why this is important to examine through social disorganization theory. Briefly outline and summarize Sampson and Groves’ model of social disorganization. Social disorganization theory is a macro-level theory which focuses on the importance of location. It introduces the relationship of everyone's connection to each other, and the high crime rates in certain places. The text explains, "some places are safer than others and that all sorts of deviances flourish in other places" (Inderbitzen 2013:203). Social disorganization theory attempts to explain the unequal distribution of deviance and crime in certain areas; some areas 'flourish' while others are able to control deviance and