Introduction
The idea of anomie theory created by the Durkheim was enhance by the sociologist Robert K. Merton during 1938 where he adopted the idea of anomie to develop the strain theory. But Merton strain theory concept seems slightly different appraisal from the Durkheim where he argues that the culture creates deviance and disunity. This essay will be discussing and evaluating the work of Merton regarding the Strain and anomie theory which originally came from Durkheim theory of anomie. Furthermore, these theories has been critiqued and contemporary studies by Robert Agnew with ‘General Strain Theory’.
History
In these past centuries the word anomie has been used very commonly to describe the social conditions. Throughout the history …show more content…
Soon after the concept of Durkheim anomie was not able to develop any relevant strand of empirical research and theorizing but it had a huge influence in evolution of sociology in the modern era (Delfem, 2015).
Arguments
Merton believes that the people appetites were not naturally formed instead It was originated from the culture of a society. The Merton theory states that when the societal norms or socially accepted goals such as American Dream, the social structures puts pressures on certain groups or individuals comfort which than led the people to commit crime. Yet the social structure of the American society prevents certain groups from satisfying their needs.
Robert K. Merton Planned a microsite functional typology of deviant behaviours where it illustrated the difference between culturally defined goals and the institutionalized means which could be achieve through legitimate or illegitimate way and he has explained why some group within the society turn into deviant/ criminal behaviours while other don’t. There are five type of …show more content…
In conformity the people accept goals of the society and accept the means to achieve these goals within the society. For example earning money. The ability to earn money, generate money and having enough money to ourselves for our own needs is an acceptable cultural goals in our society. The Legitimate way to obtain both goals and the means of the conformity, firstly we need to get an education from the schools and then getting a job.
There are other four group within the society who reject the goals, reject the means and reject the both concept of the society.
Ritualism: These are the persons who accept the means but reject the goals. This types of people are not really interested with the money whereas they work really hard to get the educations and jobs in legitimate ways in the society. And yet this group is label with the deviant behaviours even though they haven’t commit any crime or breaking the law. Because they still haven’t completely accomplishment the goals and means of the society.
Innovation: it includes theses kind of people who accept the goals of the culture but reject the legitimate means of attaining those goals. So they try to get the goals through illegitimate way that is not acceptable by the society. For example Mafia members, drug dealer and thief means would be deviant that has cross the border and turn into a
The idea of anomie theory created by the Durkheim was enhance by the sociologist Robert K. Merton during 1938 where he adopted the idea of anomie to develop the strain theory. But Merton strain theory concept seems slightly different appraisal from the Durkheim where he argues that the culture creates deviance and disunity. This essay will be discussing and evaluating the work of Merton regarding the Strain and anomie theory which originally came from Durkheim theory of anomie. Furthermore, these theories has been critiqued and contemporary studies by Robert Agnew with ‘General Strain Theory’.
History
In these past centuries the word anomie has been used very commonly to describe the social conditions. Throughout the history …show more content…
Soon after the concept of Durkheim anomie was not able to develop any relevant strand of empirical research and theorizing but it had a huge influence in evolution of sociology in the modern era (Delfem, 2015).
Arguments
Merton believes that the people appetites were not naturally formed instead It was originated from the culture of a society. The Merton theory states that when the societal norms or socially accepted goals such as American Dream, the social structures puts pressures on certain groups or individuals comfort which than led the people to commit crime. Yet the social structure of the American society prevents certain groups from satisfying their needs.
Robert K. Merton Planned a microsite functional typology of deviant behaviours where it illustrated the difference between culturally defined goals and the institutionalized means which could be achieve through legitimate or illegitimate way and he has explained why some group within the society turn into deviant/ criminal behaviours while other don’t. There are five type of …show more content…
In conformity the people accept goals of the society and accept the means to achieve these goals within the society. For example earning money. The ability to earn money, generate money and having enough money to ourselves for our own needs is an acceptable cultural goals in our society. The Legitimate way to obtain both goals and the means of the conformity, firstly we need to get an education from the schools and then getting a job.
There are other four group within the society who reject the goals, reject the means and reject the both concept of the society.
Ritualism: These are the persons who accept the means but reject the goals. This types of people are not really interested with the money whereas they work really hard to get the educations and jobs in legitimate ways in the society. And yet this group is label with the deviant behaviours even though they haven’t commit any crime or breaking the law. Because they still haven’t completely accomplishment the goals and means of the society.
Innovation: it includes theses kind of people who accept the goals of the culture but reject the legitimate means of attaining those goals. So they try to get the goals through illegitimate way that is not acceptable by the society. For example Mafia members, drug dealer and thief means would be deviant that has cross the border and turn into a