2. Merton's Strain Theory

Merton's 2 Factors of Strain...
- 1. Structural factors - unequal opportunity structure
- 2. Cultural Factors - The goals that culture encourages us to achieve
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.
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
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

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Card Set

2. Merton's Strain Theory

Description

a2 sociology

Updated

2013-06-12T02:42:57Z

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