CJ 201 Strain and Anomie (R F 2011) - Tagged

What is Anomie Theory based on?

The writings of French sociologist Emile Durkheim.

What does the term 'anomie' translate to?

Normlessness.

What major social issue did Durkheim believe anomie resulted from?

Social change occurring too fast for social norms to keep up.

How did Robert Merton expand on the concept of anomie?

He developed his theory during the Great Depression by looking at American society.

What is the 'success ideal' in American society, according to Merton?

Everyone should strive to be rich and powerful.

What are the modes of adaptation in Anomie Theory?

Conformist, Innovator, Ritualist, Retreatist, Rebel.

What does classic strain theory (Cohen, 1955) emphasize as a source of strain?

The tension between aspirations and expectations.

How can relative deprivation contribute to strain?

It creates a situation where individuals are acutely aware of what they are missing in comparison to others.

What is General Strain Theory (GST) and who developed it?

A new version of strain theory developed by Robert Agnew in the early 1990s.

What does General Strain Theory suggest about the outcomes of strain?

Delinquency is not an inevitable outcome of strain.

What factors do GST suggest can help mitigate the effects of strain?

Strong coping skills and familial/social support networks.

According to Agnew, what role do negative emotions play in delinquency?

Negative emotions are an important risk factor for delinquency.

How do Messner and Rosenfeld critique traditional strain theory?

They argue it focuses incorrectly on adolescents rather than the influence of social institutions.

What assumption do anomie and strain theories hold about human nature?

People are inherently pro-social and need some push to misbehave.