Emile Durkheim And The Anomie Theory

Emile Durkheim is the founder of the anomie theory as it relates to normlessness. This theory states that a state of normlessness contributes to the existence of deviance. It also outlines that lack of resources or ability to obtain socially constructed goals can be a factor that contributes to deviant behavior. This being stated deviance and social controls exist for various reasons such as moral boundaries, group solidarity, innovation, and tension-reduction. Moral boundaries are one reason the deviance and social control exist. Without moral boundaries there would be no sanctions in place that would be seen as social control and would define what behavior is considered to be deviant. Group solidarity contributes by labeling others as “outsiders” …show more content…
This is where socially constructed goals match those that the general public holds and resources that are needed to achieve these goals are made readily available. In this sense there is little to no deviance for there is no strain or anomie effect. Conformity would be considered the norm out of all five of the adaptations. An example would be a single child from a family that can afford to send them to a well off school to obtain the education they need for a career such as being a surgeon, which is the child’s intended goal. This goal is socially accepted and the school as the means of which to obtain the goal is within reach for the …show more content…
Ritualism is where goals are not seen as socially acceptable, but the means by which to obtain the goals are socially acceptable. This would be someone who does not care for the ideal that is advertised by society as being the goal, however the individual still partakes in activities that give them resources to obtain the goal society has constructed. An example is a middle-level government worker. This individual could advance to a higher position, which would be a goal that is accepted by society, but instead they are contempt with the position they hold and wish to stay where they are. They have the means to achieve the goal of a higher position but choose not to because personally that is not their own