Class 12- Social Structure Theories



WEEK 7: SOCIAL STRUCTURE THEORIESCourse: SOC 225 B02: CriminologyDate: February 27, 2025

GENERAL STRAIN THEORY

Definition: General Strain Theory (GST) is a micro-level model that examines how strain can lead to negative emotions and, subsequently, to deviant behavior. GST focuses on the individual experiences of strain rather than broader societal forces.

Key Concepts:

  • Negative Affective States: These are adverse or negative emotions resulting from strain, such as anger, frustration, and disappointment, which can lead to behaviors that deviate from norms.

  • Causes of Strain:

    • Failure to Achieve Positively Valued Goals: Individuals may not attain desired outcomes, leading to feelings of inadequacy.

    • Disjunction of Expectations and Achievements: When there is a gap between what individuals expect to achieve and what they actually achieve.

    • Removal of Positively Valued Stimuli: This can occur through loss (like death of a loved one) or exclusion (like job loss).

    • Presentation of Negative Stimuli: Experiencing or witnessing negative events, such as violence or crime, can also create strain.

CULTURAL DEVIANCE THEORY

Definition: Cultural Deviance Theory posits that different social classes (middle-class vs. lower-class) have varying values that affect behavior and norms. These cultural norms impact individuals' reactions to societal pressures and criminal acts.

Conduct Norms: These are behaviors expected of members within a social group that might deviate from the general societal culture; what is considered acceptable within one group may be seen as deviant in another.

Key Concepts:

  • Culture Conflict: This occurs when the rules and norms of an individual's subculture clash with societal role demands, leading to misunderstandings and tensions between different social classes.

  • Focal Concerns: Value orientations particular to lower-class subcultures that guide behavior, which include:

    • Seeking Excitement: Pursuit of thrill-seeking activities, often seen as less responsible.

    • Seeking Trouble: Engaging in risky or confrontational behavior.

    • Smartness: Emphasizing street smarts over formal education.

    • Personal Autonomy: A strong belief in individual freedom and self-reliance.

    • Fate: A sense of resignation to life circumstances, often associated with a lack of control over one’s life outcomes.

  • Anderson’s Theory: Distinguishes between two lower-class value systems: "decent" families that strive for mainstream values and "the streets" families that adopt an oppositional stance to societal norms.

QUESTION





Following cultural deviance theory, which of the following is NOT a value held by middle-class culture?a. Hard workb. Formal educationc. Immediate gratificationd. Caution

POTENTIAL ISSUES


Cultural factors alone cannot sufficiently explain criminality; considerations must include bias and marginalization within the Criminal Justice System (CJS). A significant portion of lower-class individuals do not engage in criminal behavior, indicating that environmental factors are not solely responsible.Research has shown that delinquent youth may share values with middle-class youths, suggesting a more complex relationship wherein values are not strictly tied to social class. Moreover, many members of lower-class groups also hold middle-class values, such as support for tough crime policies and increased police presence.

WE DIDN’T/WON’T COVER…

Concepts not covered include:

  • Concentric Zones (p. 214 and 216)

  • Carl Dawson and the McGill School (p. 220-221)

  • Institutional Anomie (p. 225-226)

  • Strain and Criminal Careers, Evaluating GST, GST and Gender (p. 229-231)


  • Theory of Delinquent Subcultures and Differential Opportunities (233-236)A couple of exam questions will be based on Institutional Anomie and from Delinquent Subcultures/Differential Opportunities. No need to read the other sections unless you have interest in them.