Lecture #4 - Anomie & Control Theories

experiential learning

children learn by seeing and hearing things in the world around them

observational learning

looking at how our parents and others handle different situations. for example, if parents drink or smoke, some kids might believe that these things are acceptable.

proximal influences

peer influences

distal influences

parental influences

anomie

concept of there are no rules or expectations during social change. creates pressures or strain (merton)

strain

the gap between one’s morals and means of attaining goals. we adapt to the different kinds of strain and circumstances (merton)

conformist

pursues culturally approved goals through approved means. example: climbs up corporate ladder

innovator

pursues culturally approved goals via unacceptable means. example: criminal

ritualist

no longer motivated by dominant cultural goals, but still engages in mainstream activities

retreatist

rejects both dominant cultural goals and rejects culturally accepted means. example: homeless individuals who are no longer pursuing goals due to addiction or trauma

rebel

pursues new goals via new means.

agnew’s general strain theory

degree to which people have formed bonds and how that relates to personality adaptations. if you have a positive bond, you’ll be more likely to become a conformist rather than someone who rebels against the law

3 types of strain that leads to delinquent behaviour

inability to achieve through legitimate means, loss of valued resources, negative stimuli

cohen

larger communities are complex and multicultural in nature

adaptive response

finding like minded individuals to understand you. such as joining a gang to feel connected.

differential opportunity theory

emphasis on the economics and the opportunities people can afford. if you are not from a privileged background, there is less opportunity for you to achieve cultural norms

social control theory

assumes human nature is driven by rational self interest. why do people choose to conform?

informal social control

casual, everyday methods of coercion or persuasion, such as typing what the prof is saying in class

formal social control

state sanctioned techniques and methods of coercion to maintain order

containment theory and bond theory

what stops people from engaging in delinquent theory? there are inner and outer containments.

inner containments

internalized social norms

outer containments

primary group affiliations and social environment

what does abci stand for

attachment, belief, commitment, and involvement

who developed containment theory

walter reckless (1956)

who developed social bond theory

travis hirschi

attachment

psychological affection for prosocial significant others

belief

extend to which conventional norms are internalized

commitment

extend to which social relationships tied to conformity

involvement

extent of participation in conventional activities

who developed general theory of crime

gottfredson and hirschi

general theory of crime

uses control logic to explain range of criminal behaviours. low self control can be linked to ineffective child rearing practices. antisocial behaviour is driven by self interest. also uses control logic to apply other forms of delinquent behaviour and criminal behaviours.

who created general theory of crime

gottfredson and hirschi

national longitudinal study of childhood & youth

examining linkages among structure, family processes (social controls) and individual traits. followed representative sample over several years. measured family functioning and parenting practices as well as levels of social support