Merton's Anomie Theory

Front 1

Macro-Level Anomie

Back 1

-Society evinces this means-ends disjuncture in TWO WAYS:

1) Shared Goals; Consensus on values and norms.
-no equal access of means
-everyone aspires towards high achievements
-success is glorified
-worth judged by monetary success

2) Regulation of acceptable means of goal achievement.
-minorities do not have equal access to success (DIS)
-success ethic permeates all social class levels
-"American Dream" ideal equal opportunity for success
-strains on groups

Front 2

Micro-Level Anomie; (Merton's 5 Alternative Modes)

Back 2

-Individuals "pressured" into crime by society's expectations.

1)Conformity
2)Innovation
3)Rebellion
4)Retreatism
5)Ritualism

Front 3

Conformity (+,+)

Back 3

-MOST COMMON
-Accepts state of goals and means

Front 4

Innovation (+,-)

Back 4

-MOST COMMON DEVIANT RESPONSE
- Accepts goals but takes illegitimate means to achieve them.

Front 5

Rebellion (-,-)

Back 5

-Rejects systems of goals and means
-Violent overthrow of the system
-Subcultures, etc..

Front 6

Retreatism (+/-, +/-)

Back 6

-Reject goals and means
-Escapist response
-Societal drop-out
-Giving up on goals and means
-Alcoholics, Druggies, etc...

Front 7

Ritualism (+/-, +/-)

Back 7

-Gives up struggle to stay ahead
-Concentrates on what little has been gained; adheres to norms.
-"CAREER STUDENT"

Front 8

2 Features of Society

Back 8

1) Cultural Goals
2) Institutionalized Means

Front 9

Deviant Behavior

Back 9

-Results from
a) Disproportionate emphasis on goals over means.
b) Differential access to means based on position in class structure.