Lecture 10 - Anomie/Strain Theories

What is Émile Durkheim known for?

• A sociologist focused on social solidarity and the cohesion of societies.

• research done during aftermath of French revolution

• two types of societies: mechanical and organic societies

• argued crime is normal and serves a social purpose

• idea of anomie

What are mechanical societies?

Primitive societies characterized by shared roles and beliefs.

repressive

What are organic societies?

Modern societies with cohesion through diverse roles and interdependence.

What is the role of crime in society?

1. Reinforces social norms

2. increases cohesion through condemnation

3. can challenge outdated norms.

What is anomie?

• A state of normlessness leading to uncertainty about social expectations.

• occurs during rapid social change like economic expansions or depressions

• modern applications: Strain and control theory

What is Robert K. Merton's concept of anomie adaptation?

• Build on Merton but applied to crime in US and focus on monetary success

• Anomie occurs when there is a gap between cultural goals and legitimate means to achieve them.

• 5 types of adaptation:

  • conformity

  • innovation

  • ritualism

  • retreatism

  • rebellion

• highlights why crime is more prevalent in lower classes - due to fewer legitimate opportunities

What is conformity in Merton's adaptations?

Following rules despite experiencing strain.

What is innovation in Merton's adaptations?

Pursuing success through illegitimate means.

What is ritualism in Merton's adaptations?

Following rules without pursuing success.

What is retreatism in Merton's adaptations?

Rejecting both goals and means.

What is rebellion in Merton's adaptations?

Proposing new goals and means.

Why is there a prevalence of crime in lower classes?

Fewer legitimate opportunities to achieve cultural goals lead to more crime.

What is Cloward's extension of Merton's theory?

Lower-class young male individuals may have access to criminal networks for success.

What is status frustration according to Cohen?

Failure to meet middle-class standards leads to rebellion among lower-class youth.

What does the Middle-Class Measuring Rod refer to?

Cohen's concept explaining frustration in lower-class youth due to school expectations.

What is a criminal subculture according to Cloward and Ohlin?

A subculture where crime is pursued for economic success.

What is a conflict subculture according to Cloward and Ohlin?

A subculture where violence is used to gain status.

What is a retreatist subculture according to Cloward and Ohlin?

A subculture characterized by withdrawal from society, e.g., substance abuse.

What are the sources of strain as defined by Agnew's GST?

• Expanded on Merton by identifying 3 sources of strain

  • Failure to achieve goals

  • removal of positive valued stimuli

  • presence of negative stimuli

• strain generates negative emotions —> individuals seek coping mechanism (3 types)

  • cognitive coping

  • behavioral coping

  • emotional coping

What is cognitive coping?

Changing how one thinks about the situation to manage strain.

What are the gender differences in strain response?

Women tend to experience strain differently and commit less crime.

What did Broidy find in 2001 regarding strain and delinquency?

Unfair outcomes cause increased anger driving delinquent behavior.

What did Kam et al. (2010) find regarding minority youth?

Anger and depression influence delinquency among minority groups.

What is Institutional Anomie Theory (IAT)?

focuses on the dominance of economic concerns over other social institutions in the US - this approach needs to change

What is the IAT solution for crime reduction?

Strengthen non-economic institutions such as family and education.

What empirical evidence supports IAT?

Stronger non-economic institutions (church, lower divorce) correlate with lower property crime rates.

What does the Juvenile Delinquency Prevention and Control Act (1961) address?

A program addressing delinquency through education and social structures.

What was Johnson's approach to the War on Poverty in relation to strain theories?

Focused on addressing inequality root causes to prevent delinquency.

What happened to social programs during Nixon's presidency?

Many social programs were dismantled due to political resistance.

What are some criticisms of strain theories?

• Overemphasis on youth - limited applicability to older individuals

• varying responses to strain - not everyone reacts the same way, may have healthy coping mechanism

• broad definitions - hard to apply consistently