Soc 224 Lecture 3

Anomie
Strain
Differential Opportunity
Status Frustration

functionalist theories

Differential Association
Neutralization
Social Learning

learning theories

Social Bonds
Self-Control

social control theories

Merton’s anomie/strain theory

deviance emerges from the structure of society.

Anomie

dysfunction between cultural goals and legitimate means.

Strain

normative social order creates unequal access to legitimate means, leads to innovation (usually deviance/crime).

Micro-anomie

the individual places more emphasis on self-interest than collective values.

Differential opportunity theory

differential access to legitimate and illegitimate opportunities due to how society is structured.

Status frustration theory

inability to meet expectations placed upon by society, thus developing oppositional standards at which success is achievable.

Differential association theory

deviance is learned behaviour through techniques and direction of motives, rationalizations, and attitudes.

Neutralization theory

deviance is rationalized by learned techniques of neutralization (denial).

Social learning theory

people learn by watching others; we are more likely to engage in behaviours we are rewarded for.

Social control theory

most of us are restrained from deviance (absence of social control) due to barriers (employment, etc) despite it being inherently attractive.

Social bonds theory

attachment to family, commitment, involvement, and belief in dominant values keep us from deviance.

Self-control theory

explains why some people are predisposed to deviance due to delayed gratification and control impulses.