Anomie and Strain Theories in Criminology Lec #4

Anomie

A state of normlessness in society.

Strain Theory

Theory explaining deviance through societal pressures.

Durkheim's Anomie Theory

Crime offends collective conscience, evokes punishment.

Merton's Adaptations

Five responses to societal strain and anomie.

Conformity

Acceptance of goals and legitimate means.

Innovation

Acceptance of goals, but rejection of means.

Ritualism

Rejection of goals, acceptance of means.

Retreatism

Rejection of both goals and means.

Rebellion

Replacement of societal goals with new ones.

Status Frustration

Lower-class boys' response to middle-class standards.

Differential Opportunity Theory

Gang behavior based on illegal opportunity availability.

Criminal Subculture

Gangs in areas with organized crime opportunities.

Conflict Subculture

Gangs in disorganized communities with limited opportunities.

Retreatist Subculture

Isolation and drug use among double failures.

General Strain Theory

Focuses on multiple sources of strain affecting behavior.

Institutional Anomie Theory

Critiques American Dream's impact on societal values.

American Dream

Cultural belief in success through hard work.

Individualism

Emphasis on personal success and rivalry.

Universalism

Aspiration for success is widespread in society.

Measurement of Success

Success often quantified by financial achievement.

Collective Conscience

Shared beliefs and values in a society.

Social Structure

Framework of societal relationships and institutions.

Cultural Goals

Societal objectives that individuals strive to achieve.

Deviance

Behavior that violates societal norms.

Crime

Legally defined deviance punishable by law.

Collective Punishment

Punishment of individuals for group offenses.

Empirical Demonstration

Using data to show relationships in society.

Labelling Theory

Focus on societal reaction to deviance.

Research Limitations

Critiques of assumptions in strain theories.

Progressive Reforms

Changes aimed at addressing social inequalities.