Anomie And Strain

What did Durkheim mean when he said crime is “normal”?

Crime exists in all societies and serves adaptive and boundary-setting functions.

What is mechanical solidarity?

Solidarity based on similarity; found in traditional societies with strong collective conscience.

What is organic solidarity?

Solidarity based on interdependence; found in modern societies with weaker collective conscience.

What is anomie according to Durkheim?

A state of normlessness caused by rapid social change and weak moral regulation.

Which type of suicide is linked to anomie?

Anomic suicide—caused by low regulation during times of instability.

What causes strain in Merton’s theory?

A disconnect between cultural goals (e.g. success) and institutional means (e.g. education, jobs)

What are Merton’s five modes of adaptation?

Conformity, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism, Rebellion.

What is innovation in Merton’s theory?

Accepting cultural goals but using illegitimate means to achieve them

What is ritualism?

Rejecting cultural goals but rigidly following institutional means.

What is rebellion?

Rejecting and replacing both cultural goals and institutional means.

What does Cohen’s theory focus on?

Status frustration among working-class youth leading to delinquent subcultures.

What is Cloward & Ohlin’s main contribution?

Differential opportunity theory—access to illegitimate means varies by environment.

What does Agnew’s General Strain Theory add?

Strain can result from loss of positive stimuli, exposure to negative stimuli, or blocked goals.

What is Institutional Anomie Theory?

Messner & Rosenfeld’s critique of the American Dream—economic dominance weakens social control.