Institutional-Anomie Theory (IAT) "American Dream"

Messner and Rosenfeld purported that the American Dream emphasizes

the cultural importance of materialistic achievement without an emphasis on the legitimate means to reach it

They identified that the American Dream possesses several underlying orientations

Achievement
Individualism
Universalism
Materialism

Achievement

According to Messner and Rosenfeld, personal worth is measured according to one’s achievement orientation
“A strong achievement orientation...cultivates and sustains a mentality that ‘it’s not how you play the game it’s whether you win or lose’” (Messner and Rosenfeld, 1995)

Individualism

In trying to become successful, the idea of individual initiative or making it your own is highly encouraged
This orientation pits citizen against citizen

Universalism

This orientation speaks to the fact that no one is exempt from the societal pressures of success, they are emphasized for everyone

Materialism

Success is measured based on monetary gain
In this way, there is no end to the amount of money

General

Institutions are the basic building blocks of a society and the progenitors of rules
Within this framework, internal conflict and contradiction are present among institutions
Especially those in a free-market economy
Internal conflicts and contradictions arise as differing institutions encourage differing norms
Social institutions are interdependent: they do work together, but when they are unbalanced they feed into the 4 orientations and anomie and strain, higher rates of crime as well

Messner and Rosenfeld posited that there are institutions within a society that work together to keep society functioning
These are

economic, family life, polity (political), and education

Economic institution

These are the most prevalent and synchronous within the American Dream ideology
Again, places strong emphasis on material success without strong emphasis on legitimate means to achieve them

Polity Institution

This institution collects power and uses it to protect members of society

Family Life Institution

This institution is used for socialization of children, informal social control —> setting boundaries for appropriate behavior, and providing emotional support

Education Institution

Like the family institution, this institution is made up of schools and teachers who are responsible for proper socialization of youth.
Education enhances personal development and potential