Strain Theory (Merton)

What are the key aspects of Merton’s strain theory?

• developed the idea of anomie

• in disagreement with functionalists that all institutions benefit everyone

• a strain between socially accepted goals and social approved means (ways of achieving goals)

• when individuals cannot achieve socially accepted goals, it can result in criminal behaviour

What is the American Dream?

• a belief in the United States of America

• the opportunity to achieve material success through hard success

• embodies the idea that anyone can obtain a better life, regardless of background

What are the 5 adaptations to strain?

• conformity

• innovation

• ritualism

• retreatism

• rebellion

What is conformity?

goals

means

• accepting the goals

• accepting the means

What is innovation?

goals

means

• accepting the goals

• finding different means to achieve the goals

• common in lower social classes due to lower chance of succeeding

What is ritualism?

goals

means

• lost sight of/do not accept the goals

• accepting the means

• immersed in daily routines and regulations at work

What is retreatism?

goals

means

• rejecting the goals

• rejecting the means

• fails to achieve success

• likely to drop out and depend on drugs or alcohol

What is rebellion?

goals

means

• rejecting the goals

• rejecting the means

• substitutes different goals and means

• deciding society no longer works well and needs to be radically changed

What are some criticisms of Merton’s strain theory?

• criticised by Valier (2001) for the stress on the existence of common goals in society

• there are a variety of goals that individuals wish to attain

• individuals may prioritise a happy family life or leisure over financial success

• Taylor, Walton & Young argue that Merton underestimates the amount of middle and upper class crime while overestimating the amount of working class crime