Merton and subcultural theories

Question 1

explain what Merton believes about society:

Answer 1

main social goal is to gain wealth
for the poor their opportunity to gain wealth is blocked (e.g through education)
many adapted to ‘innovating’

Question 2

explain what subcultural theorists believe about society:

Answer 2

argue crime is caused by blocked opportunities
different subcultures cope with this by becoming professional criminals, joining gangs or dropping out

Question 3

what 3 ways does Merton’s Strain Theory show societies structure could be made more equal?

Answer 3

policies to tackle poverty

equal opportunities in school

education in prison

Question 4

are Merton’s crime control and punishment policies effective?

Answer 4

evidence shows anti-poverty policies have a positive effect
societies that spend more on welfare jail fewer people
those with greater inequality e.g USA have higher crime rates