Mertons Strain Theory

Question 1

Merton

Answer 1

people engage in deviant behaviour when they are unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means.

Question 2

Mertons explanation

Answer 2

-Structural factors- socially unequal opportunities structure
-cultural factors- strong emphasis on success goals- American dream- lack of
Opportunity creates pressure to adopt illegitimate means

Question 3

American dream- Merton

Answer 3

Americans are expected to achieve
This goal by legitimate means- study, education, hard working career.
- poverty, inadequate skls& discrimination may block opportunities- people become frustrated and turn to crime
Merton ‘winning the game becomes more important than playing by the rules’ / to much pressure to have to succeed

Question 4

Deviant adaptions to strain- Merton

Answer 4

Merton explains some patterns of deviance found in society

Question 5

Merton patterns of deviance 5 adaptions

Answer 5

-conformity- individuals accept the goals and strive to achieve them legitimately-mc
-innovation-accept the goal of money success but use ‘new’ legitimate means such as theft to achieve it
-ritualism-give up trying to achieve goals- but follow rules for their own sake
Retreatism- reject both goals and legitimate means, become drop outs- eg tramps, outcasts
Rebellion- replace goals with new ones that bring out change and create a new kind of society