mertons strain theory

According to strain theories, why do people engagen deviant behaviour ?

When they are unable to achieve socially approved goals

Briefly outline the two elements that mertons explaination combines

• structual factors- societys unequal opportunity structure

• Cultural factors- the strong emphasis on success goals and the weaker emphasis on sing legitimate means to achieve them

According to Merton, what 2 factors cause strain for individuals?

• goals that a culture encourages individuls to achieve

• What the institutional structure of society allows them to achieve legitimatley.

How are Americans meant to purs their goals?

By legimate means: self discipline, study, educational qualiications and hard work in a career

What might prevent somes from achieving their goals?

Poverty, inadquete schols and discrimination in the job market may block apportunities for many minority ethnic groups

Briefly explain the strain to anomie

It produces fustration, and this in turn creates a pressure to resort to illegitmimate means such as crime and deviance

Why is there pressure to deviate in American culture?

Puts more emphasis on achieving success at any price thn upon doing so by legitimate means