Sociological Positivism: Anomie and Strain Theory

Question 1

What did Durkheim say about crime?

Answer 1

Crime is a normal and functional part of society that reinforces norms and promotes change.

Question 2

What is the main focus of sociological positivism?

Answer 2

Structure and external social forces shaping behaviour.

Question 3

What is anomie according to Durkheim?

Answer 3

A state of fragmentation which a lack of social cohesion
caused by rapid social change and lack of moral regulation - leads to a sense of ‘normlessness’

Question 4

How did Merton redefine anomie?

Answer 4

Reworks Durkheim’s anomie to focus on structural strain. -argues that anomie was a constant rather than a consequence of social change

Question 5

What are the 2 consequences of living in an anomic society?

Answer 5

1. drive people to committing suicide
2. drive people to engage in deviant/criminal behaviours

Question 6

How did Merton agree strain develops?

Answer 6

Strain arises when people cannot achieve societal goals through legitimate means

Question 7

What are Merton’s five modes of adaptation?

Answer 7

Conformity -accept cultural goals and means
Innovation -accept cultural goals but reject the means of achieving (e.g. fraud)
Ritualism -reject goals, accept means (routine workers)
Retreatism -reject both (e.g addicts)
Rebellion -reject goals and means but replace with new goals/means (e.g. revolutionaries)

Question 8

What is the main critique of Merton’s strain theory?

Answer 8

It focuses on lower-class crime and ignores crimes of the powerful and non-material motivations.

Question 9

What is a key feature of Agnew’s General Strain Theory?

Answer 9

Strain arises from a failure to achieve goals, a removal of positive stimuli, a presence of negative stimuli
Crime = a coping response to strain.

Question 10

What do Messner & Rosenfeld say about the American Dream?

Answer 10

It promotes crime by overvaluing wealth and under-supporting other institutions.

Question 11

What are the 4 features promoted by the ‘American Dream’?

Answer 11

Achievement - celebration of ‘winners’ and condemnation of ’losers’

Individualism - prioritising rights over responsibilities

Materialism - Money is not just a means to an end but becomes an end in itself. Success = wealth, regardless of how it is obtained.

Universalism - The goal of material success is universal—everyone is expected to strive for it, regardless of background or ability.

Question 12

What 2 ways does Durkheim argue crime works?

Answer 12

1. Adaptive -changes society by introducing new ideas
2. Boundary maintenance -reinforces social values and norms