Section V

Social Construction

The idea that human nature is shaped by cultural and social experiences, leading to behaviors such as crime as a result of defective social construction.

Social Structure

How society is organized through various institutions such as family, education, religion, economics, and politics.

Anomie

A state of normlessness or lacking in rules that occurs during rapid social change, leading to higher crime rates due to the absence of common norms.

Social Disorganization

The breakdown of informal community rules that regulate conduct, contributing to increased crime rates in certain areas.

Collective Efficacy

The shared power of a group to influence outcomes they deem desirable; a loss in this results in social disorganization.

Strain Theory

A theory proposing that societal structures can pressure individuals to commit crimes when they are unable to achieve cultural goals through legitimate means.

Modes of Adaptation

Strategies individuals use in response to strain, including conformity, ritualism, innovation, retreatism, and rebellion.

Status Frustration

The feelings of inadequacy experienced by individuals, particularly in lower classes, when they cannot achieve societal success, leading to the formation of subcultures.

Subcultural Theory

The idea that subcultures develop among groups feeling alienated from larger culture, creating distinct lifestyle norms.

General Strain Theory (GST)

An extension of Merton's strain theory that incorporates individual differences and various sources of strain beyond economic goals.