Merton Strain Theory

MERTONS STRAIN THEORY

• deviance arises when unable to achieve socially approved goals through legit means
• society encourages the value goal of material succes
• not many can achieve this through legit means though

ANOMIE

• refers to an individuals feeling of normlessness caused by their frustration of accepting societies goal but being unable to achieve it legitimately

AMERICAN DREAM

• used to illustrate his theory
• socialised into accepting success in terms of money and material poccessions
• expected to attain these goals by legit means eg hard work, qualifications, to give impression if USA being meritocratic
• disadvanataged groups denied means to gain the dream legitimately
• result in strain between cultural goals of money success and lack of legit means to achieve - creates frustration and pressure…