Chapter 27: SOCIAL STRUCTURE AND ANOMIE by Robert K. Merton

What is Merton's main critique of traditional sociological theory regarding deviance?

Traditional theory often attributes deviance to biological impulses or individual nature breaking through social control. Merton argues this overlooks social and cultural conditions that generate deviance as a "normal" response.

What are the two analytically separable phases of social structure according to Merton?

1. Culturally defined goals - Aspirations, purposes, and interests valued by the society.

2. Institutionalized means - The socially approved procedures and norms for achieving these goals.

What is cultural malintegration?

A state where there is disproportionate emphasis between goals and means:

Goal exaggeration: Goals are highly stressed but means are weakly regulated → anomie risk.

Means exaggeration: Institutionalized procedures become ritualistic ends → stability but rigidity.

Balance: Goals and means are integrated → stable, adaptive society.

How does equilibrium between goals and means maintain social stability?

Stability exists when individuals:

Receive satisfaction from achieving goals and from adhering to institutionalized means.

Are incentivized through status and role distribution.

Deviance arises when this integration breaks down.

What are the five modes of individual adaptation to cultural goals and institutionalized means?

1. Conformity - Accept goals and means; most common; sustains society.

2. Innovation - Accept goals but use illegitimate means; e.g., crime.

3. Ritualism - Abandon goals but rigidly follow means; e.g., bureaucrats.

4. Retreatism - Reject both goals and means; e.g., vagrants, addicts.

5. Rebellion - Reject current goals/means, attempt new social order.

Which adaptation is most common, and why?

Conformity, because it maintains societal stability through adherence to shared goals and institutional means.

Which adaptation is least common, and why?

Retreatism, because it involves complete withdrawal from socially approved goals and means; individuals become "asocial."

What conditions lead to Innovation?

High cultural emphasis on success goals (e.g., wealth, prestige).

Limited access to legitimate institutional means to achieve these goals.

Result: individuals resort to illegitimate but effective means, e.g., organized crime.

Example: Capone achieving wealth when legitimate avenues were blocked.

What is the role of "limited opportunity" in deviance?

Opportunity structure matters: when legitimate paths to success are blocked for some, but goals are universally valued, frustration and illegitimate means become likely.

How does Merton explain variations in crime rates across societies?

Deviance is highest when:

Cultural values strongly emphasize success for all.

Social structure restricts legitimate access for some groups.

Poverty alone does not explain crime; it's the combination with universally valued goals and blocked access.

What is the significance of the "end-justifies-the-means" doctrine?

When cultural emphasis on goals exceeds regulation of means, individuals prioritize achieving the goal over following rules → anomie and deviance.

How does Merton link his theory to social structure and moral regulation?

Deviance is not just personal failure but a product of structural imbalance between culturally defined goals and socially approved means.

A society's moral and institutional framework must integrate ends and means to reduce strain.

Give examples of microcosms illustrating goal overemphasis.

Sports: Winning becomes more important than fair play → cheating.

Gambling: Emphasis on winning → deceitful tactics.

Business/wealth: Success overrules ethical rules → fraud or corruption.

How does Merton address poverty and crime?

Poverty alone does not cause crime. Crime is likely when:

Individuals aspire to culturally valued goals (e.g., wealth).

Legitimate means are inaccessible due to social or class structure.

Therefore, crime is socially "normal" in these circumstances.

What is Merton's contribution to understanding deviance?

Deviance is a structural phenomenon, not purely biological or individual.

Explains why some forms of antisocial behavior are "normal responses" to social strain.

Provides framework linking culture, social structure, and individual adaptation.