Merton Strain theory

Merton- Strain theory

Argues that there are patterns of deviance. An individuals position in society affects the way they adapt to the 'strain to anomie'.

GOALS: What people aspire to achieve, such as a sucessful career/money/material goods

MEANS: How people achieve the goals, e.g. educational sucess

Merton developed strain theory from Durkhiem, which consisted of two elements:

1) Structural factors (unequal opportunity structure)

2) Cultural factors (strong emphasis on success goals and weaker on legitimate means to achieve them)

Deviance is the result of strain between two things; the goals that a culture encourages individuals to achieve and what the institutional structure of society allows them to achieve legitimately.

EXAMPLES: The American Dream

Conformity: Accepting the culturally…