Early Social Structure & Strain Theories

Vocabulary flashcards based on early social structure and strain theories.

A. Comte

Father of sociological positivism; proposed using scientific methods to study social phenomena.

Social Statics and Social Dynamics

Concepts developed by A. Comte concerning the stability and change within societies.

A. Guerry

Identified the relationship between property crime and neighborhood income.

Relative Deprivation

A condition where individuals perceive themselves as worse off compared to others, contributing to social strain.

Emile Durkheim

A key figure in sociology who explored the normalcy of crime and the role of society in regulating desires.

Mechanical Solidarity

Social cohesion based on shared values and beliefs, typical of pre-industrial societies.

Organic Solidarity

Social cohesion based on interdependence and specialization, typical of industrial societies.

Anomie

A state of normlessness that occurs when societal norms break down, leading to social problems and crime.

R. K. Merton

Developed the Strain Theory, explaining crime as a result of systemic pressures towards material success.

Cohen's Reaction Formation

The process by which rejected youth form oppositional cultures to cope with status frustration.

Differential Opportunity Theory

Proposes that the availability of legitimate and illegitimate opportunities influences gang formation.

Agnew's General Strain Theory

Focuses on general life strains, their sources, and their impact on individuals, rather than just social structure.