The American Dream

The American dream tells Americans that their society is ___________ where anyone who makes the effort can get ahead and that there are _________________

Meritocratic

Opportunities for all

However, the reality is often different, especially for ethnic minority and working classes who experience…

Blocked opportunities like Merton says

As success in America tends to be measured in terms of _____________________, this can lead to a pressure to resort to _____________ to achieve goals

Wealth and material possessions

Illegitimate means

Eg. Utilitarian crime for financial gain which means there is a strain to…

Anomie

Merton points out that little attention is given to ____ this goal is achieved eg. Talent…

How

Effort and ambition

This in turn leads to an unbalanced society where winning is everything and…

Rules are not very important

Individuals respond in different ways, some of which are…

Criminal