Anomic / Strain Theory and Related Concepts

Anomic / Strain Theory and Merton's Concepts

• Merton's application of Anomic Theory to Strain Theory.

  • In every society, there are culturally defined goals, purposes, and interests.

  • An integrated society maintains a balance between:
    a. Social Structure (approved means to achieve goals)
    b. Culture (approved goals)

• Some individuals resort to alternative means to secure the "American Dream."

  • American Dream defined as Success.

  • Success primarily understood as monetary wealth.

• Societal emphasis on success is prevalent:

  • There is a strong cultural emphasis on success.

  • This emphasis on success is not matched by an equally strong emphasis on socially-approved means to achieve success.

  • For instance, members of lower socioeconomic classes are advised to aspire to high achievement and success.

  • Society’s worth is often judged by material possessions and monetary success.

  • American values demonstrate a greater concern with success and achievement than with the means to attain success.

• This disparity leads to higher crime rates among those unable to achieve success through legitimate means.

Merton's Five Adaptations to Strain

• Conformist: Accepts societal goals and the means to achieve them.

• Innovator: Accepts societal goals but rejects the means for achieving them.

  • Example: Drug dealer; considered the most common non-conformist mode/adaptation among many lower-class members.

• Rebel: Rejects both the goals and means, seeks to replace them, and withdraws from society.

  • Example: Militia groups.

• Retreatist: Gives up on both goals and means, withdrawing from society.

  • Example: Alcoholics and drug addicts.

• Ritualist: Rejects the goals but accepts the means.

  • They have given up trying to get ahead and focus on maintaining their current status.

  • Exhibits a lack of work enthusiasm.

Social Process Theories of Crime

• Crime emerges from three primary factors:

  1. Failure of self-regulation.

  2. Inadequate social roles and significant others.

  3. Associating with individuals who are already criminal.

• Social policies stemming from these theories often place the responsibility for change on the offenders themselves.

Differential Association Theory

• Edwin Sutherland's Principles of Differential Association:

  1. Criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others.

  2. Key Principle: Crime occurs when there is an excess of definitions favorable to violations of the law over definitions unfavorable.

  3. Differential associations may vary according to:

  • Priority (importance).

  • Frequency (rate of interactions).

  • Duration (length of time associated).

  • Intensity (strength of relationships).

  1. Criminal behavior is an expression of general needs and values, but is not solely explained by them since non-criminal behavior also stems from such expressions.

Self-Control Theory

• Developed by Michael Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi.

  • Asserts that self-control is essential for understanding crime and deviance.

  • High levels of self-control correlate with a lower likelihood of engaging in criminal acts.

  • Conversely, low self-control increases the likelihood of criminal behavior when opportunities arise.

• This theory is considered a general theory that applies to all forms of crime and deviance across all ages and situations.

• Parental Management, attachment, and socialization are key in establishing self-control:

  1. Monitor the child.

  2. Identify criminal or deviant behavior.

  3. Punish criminal or deviant behavior.

Techniques of Neutralization

• Proposed by Gresham Sykes and David Matza.

  • Techniques of Neutralization allow individuals to excuse breaking social norms, especially in contexts of weak social controls.

• If social control is strong, offenders are likely to revert back to law-abiding behavior.

• Five Techniques of Neutralization identified:

  1. Denial of Responsibility: Claims actions are a product of their background; no one was really hurt.

  2. Denial of Injury: States that no real harm was done.

  3. Denial of the Victim: Asserts that the victim deserved the harm done to them.

  4. Condemnation of the Condemners: Argues that those criticizing share similar wrongdoings (e.g., "dirty hands").

  5. Appeal to Higher Loyalties: Claims actions were done for the sake of friends or family.

• Drift Theory: Suggests that individuals can "drift" between lawful and unlawful behaviors depending on social circumstances and influences.