unit 4: anomie/strain theories

merton’s theory of anomie

strain theory, social structure

culturally defined goal - financial success (american dream)

institutional norms/means to achieve goal

agnew’s general strain theory

role of emotions

strain -> negative emotions -> coping behavior​

3 possible strain-producing events​

* Failure to achieve positive goals​
* Removal of positive
* Presentation of negative

moessner and rosenfeld’s instituional anomie theory

strain in societies due to the overemphasis on monetary success and the weakening of other social institutions (family, schools, politics)

Argue that all our social institutions take a backseat to the economy​

strain

want the goal but can’t access the means

strain (pressure) → crime

Merton uses what type of argument to explain the high rate of crime in American society and why crime is concentrated in the lower classes?

cultural

most crime that occurs in society takes the form of

innovation

When people don’t have access to the legitimate ways of becoming successful…

they will invent new ways of doing so​

conformity

accepts goals, accepts means

innovation

accepts goals, rejects means

ritualism

rejects goals, accepts means

retreatism

rejects goals, rejects means

rebellion

rejects and replaces goals and means

policy implications of merton’s strain theory

Increase opportunities for those who do not have them​

policy implications of general strain theory

Increase the adoption of healthy, prosocial coping mechanisms​

policy implications of institutional anomie theory

deemphasize monetary success, strenghten importance of other social instituions

criticisms of strain theories

* All are arguably hard to test​
* too broad and anything could be perceived as a strain ​
* How does anomie/strain theory explain differences in gender?