LECTURE + Chapter 6 Reading - Anomie Theory

Anomie Theory (Major points from reading)

1. Most members of society share (or are socialized into) a common system of values

2. This common value system teaches us both the things we should strive for (cultural goals) and the most appropriate ways (societal means) to achieve those goals

3. IF the goals and the means to achieve them are not equally stressed = an anomic condition is created. 

4. Disorganized society = Unequal access to goals and means

   • THUS the means are not equally distributed!

5. Some societies may place too much stress on success goals

   • (Disorganized society) this results in a striving toward those goals BUT NOT enough access to the means to achieve them . . . 

6. Without reasonable access to the socially approved means, members of society will attempt to find some way to resolve the pressure to achieve

   • Alternative solutions = “modes of adaptation.” 

Modes of Adaptation

1. Innovator

   • Aspires for the societal goals ($$$)

     • BUT uses illegal means to achieve it

   • MOST COMMON!

2. Ritualist

   • DOES NOT aspire for societal goals

   • BUT still goes through the motions/does the means

     • Ex. has a job

3. Retreatist

   • Rejects both goals AND means

   • Retreats/withdraws themselves from society

4. Rebel

   • Rejects both goals and means BUT they also substitute their OWN goals and means

     • Completely reblling from societal norms! NOT listening to anyone!

Anomie Findings

• Groups with the greatest accesst othe approve dmeans= most conforming

• Groups with the least access= higher rates of deviance!

• THEREFORE Inequality leads to deviance and crime

• Lower classes suffer the most anomic conditions

  • THUS they have higher involvement in deviance!

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