What is Anomie?

Anomie is when a person does not have the same norms and values as society. This usually happens because they have not been socialised to share the same values as others.

Anomie can result from changes in society which disrupt existing relationships and bring existing values into question. It can lead to social problems such a a high suicide rate.

Merton says when rules stop working a situation of normlessness or anomie is the result. The norms no longer direct behavious and deviance is encouraged. The reaction to a situation of anomie differes depending on their position in the social…