Chapter 6 - Anomie Theory

Anomie Social Context

Great depression, economic harships, and social problems

Founded by Emilie Durkheim and Robert K Merton

Anomie Intellectual Context

Reaction to psychological and biological positivism

People who engage in crime are inferior to those who do not.

Marxist ideas about capitalism

The work of the Chicago School.

Inspiration for anomie theory and it was groundbreaking.

Anomie Theory Durkheim’s Stance

Explanation of crime and deviance.

Aimed at the effects of industrial revolution in Europe.

No common bond = breaking of common bond.

It’s all about selfishness.

Conformity Types

Real Conformity
Deviant Conformity

Merton Anomie Development

Emphasis on certain goals, and legitimization of means.

In American societies, there was an over emphasis on goals set for anomie: reduces conformity.

Anomic social structures produce differentiated access to the way individuals achieve success in society.

The inability to reach goals causes strain, which leads to adaptation, and that specifically is the theory is capturing.

Modes of Adaptation

Conformity: Goals and means accepted.

Non – deviant way to adapt, you make your peace with what means you have.

Ex: A cashier at a fast-food place and keep working to your goal.

Innovation: Goals accepted + means rejected.

Ex: I accept the call and keep striving to accumulate wealth and you start selling drugs – a different way to reach the goal.

Ritualism: Goals rejected + means accepted.

You give up being rich and be fine with working and having enough to survive.

Retreatism: Rejection of goals and means

Ex: People that engage in drug abuse to escape reality.

Rebellion: Goals and means substituted.

Extremist movements, and you try to change how society works.