Topic 2 - Strain and Sub-cultural Theories - Strain Theory

Merton's strain theory

People commit deviant acts as they can't socially obtain their goals.

His explanation combines:

• Structural factors - unequal opportunity structure.
•  Cultrural factors - emphasis on success goals.

Deviance = Strain (cultural goals + society's structure).

E.g. the American dream - emphasis on money success.

Merton (1938) - sees American culture/society as normlessness (…