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Merton's Strain Theory
2
Merton's Strain Theory
Merton's Strain Theory
- Proposed by Robert Merton
- Excessive deviance results from particular social arrangements
Merton's Strain
Briefly
Briefly
- Society consists of people seeking to achieve conventional goals
- If society does not provide a means through which someone can achieve cultural goals, they are more likely to be deviant
- Inability to achieve those goals leads to unconventional solutions
- Society puts an emphasis on wealth, but there are not enough opportunities to become wealthy
4 Responses
There are 4 Responses to Failure as outlined in the theory:
4 Responses
Innovation
Innovation
- Using unconventional means to achieve conventional goals of a society
ex. Using street crime to achieve material wealth
Ritualism
- One cannot use conventional means to achieve cultural goals, but still sticks to the rules to maintain honor and respectability
ex. Needing money and deciding to get a second job instead of robbing a bank.
Retreatism
- Rejection of both cultural goals and the means to achieve those goals
ex. Alcoholics, Drug Addicts, etc.
Retreatism
Rebellion
- Rejection of a society's goals and the means to achieve those goals, while also forming a counterculture
ex. Hippies, Survivalists, etc.
Rebellion
Additions to the Theory
Subcultures
There have been many additions to the theory over the years.
Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin:
Albert Cohen:
Walter Miller:
Cloward and Ohlin
- Crime results not just from limited legitimate opportunity, but also from readily available illegitimate opportunity
Cloward and Ohlin
Albert Cohen
- Deviance is most common among the youth in the lower class due to the least amount of opportunity for success
Cohen
Walter Miller
6 Characteristics of Delinquent Subculture:
1. Trouble: Frequent conflict with authority
2. Toughness: Value of physical size/ ability
3. Smartness: Ability to outsmart others and avoid being outsmarted by others
4. Need for Excitement: Seek thrill and danger
5. Belief in Fate: Sense that people lack control of their lives
6. Desire for Freedom: General hostility to authority and authority figures
Miller
Criticisms
Merton:
Focuses more on crime and pursuit of wealth rather than other forms of deviance
Cloward, Ohlin, Cohen, & Miller:
Assume that everyone shares the same cultural standards for judging right and wrong