Merton Anomie Essay

According to Durkheim, anomie is a condition in which society was unregulated, lacking coherent moral norms, which then to lead to deviant behavior. Durkheim was concerned that the transition from mechanical to organic solidarity. More precisely, an evolutionary shift from traditional society to modern industrial society caused the anomic process to occur. In a Mechanical society, structure is derived from the similarity of the individuals within the society. The people feel connected through similar work, educational training, religious guidance, and lifestyles. A mechanical society typically operates in traditional, small-scale societies. In these simpler societies, the camaraderie is usually rooted on ties from family units and friends.Durkheim states that anomie develops when crime, and deviant behavior actually performed is a crucial function within society. Crime allows the people living in a society to set their own …show more content…
Merton theory on anomie sates that anomie results from the strains within the social structure that forces the individual towards unachievable goals. According to Merton, Most people respond to anomie by conforming to societies goals. Most people are conformists who accept both the culturally defined goals, and the legitimate means of achieving said goals. However, when people are overwhelmed by societies goals, they can react in a variety of ways. The most dramatic reaction to anomie according to Merton is rebellion. Rebels are those who support group, rather than individual, success, and who desire equal distribution of wealth. These individuals feel as if they have to commit crime in order to achieve the goals they set for themselves. In short, the societal goals cause the strain, which causes the criminal or deviant