who is the key theorist associated with Strain Theory?
Merton
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briefly describe the context surrounding strain theory.
developed in 1930 - time of depression in America - anomie resulted from the absence of alignment between socially desired aspirations such as wealth - influence of the American Dream
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Compare Merton and Durkheim's views of anomie.
Merton thought anomie caused deviance and durkheim thought devience prevents anomie.
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how did Merton critise Durkheim's thinking?
M argued that D failed to explain why some are deviant and some are not.
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what theory does Strain theory derive from?
Functionalism (1890's)
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other than Merton, name another key theorist in strain theory.
Cohen.
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what did cohen believe?
that not everyone was placed equally in the competition for success.
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explain how paper aeroplanes can be used to explain strain theory.
two groups tasked with making a paper aeroplane but only one group given instructions and decorations etc. causes strain for second group to reach same success as they do not have equal oppourtunity.
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whats the effect of social structures exerting pressure on individuals?
the pressure causes them to behave in non-conformist conduct.
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What is the title of Merton's 1938 key text?
'Social Structure and Anomie'
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What did Clinard think of Merton's theory of Anomie?
'the single most influential formulation in the sociology of deviance'
rejected means society has determined should be used to achieve goals - achieves goals though unnacceptable means (CRIME).
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explain ritualism (mode of adaptation)
abide by the law and rules of society but reject goals that have been set - do not care about wealth and status.
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explain retreatism (mode of adaptation)
rejection of both the goals and means society has set on them - given up on society and themselves.
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explain rebellion (mode of adaptation)
rejection of goals and means but instead of giving up they create their own set of goals and means - change the social system.
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what can we expect to find in groups perticularly subject to social pressures?
high rates of deviance.
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explain how gangs are formed based on strain theory (COHEN)
working class feel status pressure (feelings of shame, guilt and resentment) - severe strain. they form attachments to others in the same situation. the gangs formed reject some of the core adult valyes - formation of delinquent youth subcultures.
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theorist AGNEW 2001 identified what factors as increasing the likelihood of strain leading to crime?
if strain is unjust - leads to anger. if strain is in high magnitude - harder to ignore. if strain is caused by low social control.
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one strength of strain theory
it explores the importance of social control in the production and moulding of deviance.
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criticism(s) of strain theory
focuses on lower class delinquency - does not explain why some who experience strain do not offend.
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
briefly describe the context surrounding strain theory.
Back
developed in 1930 - time of depression in America - anomie resulted from the absence of alignment between socially desired aspirations such as wealth - influence of the American Dream
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