Functionalism - Mertons Strain Theory Flashcards
1
Q
What did Merton argue?
A
- crime is a result of tension or strain
- tension is caused by p’s failing to meet societies goals set for them
2
Q
What does Merton say about the goals society sets for us? (USA)
A
- main goals: wealth and power
- seen as ‘American dream’
- Americans believed they could achieve any thing if they work for it (meritocracy)
3
Q
What did Merton say about opportunities?
A
- not every one has the same opportunities
- can’t all achieve goals legitimately
- higher classes have more opportunities
4
Q
What does a lack of opportunities lead to?
A
- strain between desire to succeed and lack of legitimate opportunities
- turn to illegitimate means
- calls this pressure to deviate (strain to anomie)
5
Q
How do p’s react to strain to anomie?
A
- either reject, accept or replace goals of society
- 5 forms of behaviour as a response
6
Q
What are the 5 responses?
A
- conformity
- innovation
- ritualism
- retreatism
- rebellion
7
Q
What is conformity?
A
- p’s accept culturally approved goals
- strive to achieve legitimately
8
Q
What is innovation?
A
- accept goals
- use illegitimate ways to achieve
9
Q
What is ritualism?
A
- give up on trying to achieve goals
- follow their own rules for own sake
- ‘go with the flow’
10
Q
What is retreatism?
A
- reject goals and legitimate means
- dropouts
11
Q
What is rebellion?
A
- reject societies goals and means
- replace them with new goals
- try to achieve revolutionary change
12
Q
What are the weaknesses of strain to anomie?
A
- doesn’t explain non utilitarian crimes e.g child abuse
- ignores those who have means commit crimes, white collar
- ignores not every crime is individualistic e.g group crimes
13
Q
What are the strengths of strain to anomie?
A
- provides an explanation for w/c crime
- provides an explanation for utilitarian crime
