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2. Merton's Strain Theory

  1. Merton's 2 Factors of Strain...
    • 1. Structural factors - unequal opportunity structure
    • 2. Cultural Factors - The goals that culture encourages us to achieve
  2. Example of Strain Theory
    AND
    Why?
    • The American Dream
    • Ideology that society is meritocratic so work hard for economic gain. However, this can shift it illegitimate means.
  3. 5 Deviant Adaptations to Strain
    (and their definitions)
    • Conformity - acheiving goals through legitimate means
    • Innovation - 'New' illegitimate means
    • Ritualism - given up on success but continue in dead end jobs
    • Retreatism - drop outs
    • Rebellion - Political radicals / counter cultures
  4. Evaluation of Merton
    Three main citicisms
    • 1. Deterministic
    • 2. Only accounts for utilitarian crime
    • 3. Explains how deviance results from individuals adaptations - not delinquent subcultures
Author
HannahABoyd
ID
223499
Card Set
2. Merton's Strain Theory
Description
a2 sociology
Updated

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