[FUNCTIONALIST] Sociological - Merton (Strain Theory)

Question 1

Functionalism
Keyword: What does ‘value consensus’ mean?

Answer 1

Shared beliefs, norms and values by a society OR a socially cohesive society.

Question 2

[MERTON] - STRAIN THEORY Functionalism

Explain the strain theory

Answer 2

People engage in deviant behaviour when they are unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means
Frustration can lead to people to resort to criminal means of getting what they want or to lash out in anger or to find comfort for their failure (in drugs)

Question 3

[MERTON] - STRAIN THEORY Functionalism

Explain 3 strengths

Answer 3

+ Shows how normal and deviant behaviour can arise out of the same goals - conformers and innovators both pursue ‘money success’ but by deviant means

+ Explains utilitarian crime

+ Official statistics show that working class crime rates are higher and Merton highlights the blocked opportunities for the working class.

Question 4

[MERTON] - STRAIN THEORY Functionalism

Explain 3 weaknesses

Answer 4

• Doesn’t explain non-utilitarian crime (crimes involving an individual)
• assumes there is a value consensus and that everyone strives for money success
• Marxists argues that Merton ignores crimes of the ruling class (white collar & corporate crime)

Question 5

[MERTON] - STRAIN THEORY Functionalism

Explain the five forms of adaptation to the strain to Anomie

Answer 5

{{An individual’s position in the social structure affects the way they respond to the strain between goals and means.}}

1. Conformity [NON-CRIMINALS] - Accepts the culturally approved goals and strive to achieve them legitimately. (Middle Class)
2. Innovation [CRIMINALS] - Accept the goals of society but find illegal ways to achieve. (Lower class)
3. Ritualism [ACCEPT THE REALITY & MAKE THE BEST OF IT] - Give up striving for success and continue along in a dead-end job. (Lower-middle class)
4. Retreatism [THEY GIVE UP] - Drop-outs who reject both goals and legitimate means. (Vagrants, drug addicts, etc…)
5. Rebellion [CHALLENGERS] - Reject existing goals and often replace them with new ones with the aim of changing society. (Political activists, religious fundamentalists, etc…)

Question 6

[MERTON] - STRAIN THEORY Functionalism

Keyword: What does Blocked Opportunities mean?

Answer 6

Not everyone has an equal chance of succeeding.
People don’t achieve what they want because of blocked opportunities.

Question 7

[MERTON] - STRAIN THEORY Functionalism

Explain why opportunities may be blocked

Answer 7

Poverty, education, discrimination in employment.

Question 8

[MERTON] - STRAIN THEORY Functionalism

Explain how strain occurs

Answer 8

When there’s a gap between goals and how to achieve those goals (Blocked opportunities)