Emile Durkheim's Theory Of Anomie

Introduction The motivation of criminals encompasses more than one common denominator, however, the degree of culpability and causation are within close proximity of one another. People every day engage in illicit acts for a myriad of reasons that run the gamut from white-collar crimes such as embezzling large sums of money to retail thefts in order to satisfy their drug and/or alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, Americans’ have an insatiable appetite for material goods along with a relentless pursuit of obtaining wealth and prosperity in achieving the American dream. This dream for some people is the underlining-motivator for committing criminal acts. The perception of wealth as the panacea for resolving all the worlds’ problems is a mirage …show more content…
Why are certain crimes applicable to Durkehiem’s anomie theory, yet other crimes are not? There are no definitive explanations. However, Durkheim’s research into suicide is where the term, anomie developed. Anomie is a breakdown of societies or individuals feeling disenfranchised and emotionally empty. These bundles of emotions contribute to the causation of certain types of criminal behavior. According to DiCristina, (2016) “Durkheim defines several other variables may have a casual relationship with crime, including a forced division of labor, collectivism (altruism), moral individualism, egoism, opportunity, gender and age” (p. 318). Robert K. Merton ruminated over Durkheim’s anomie theory and it’s complexities. Merton introduced the strain theories on criminal behavior, emphasizing how strains in peoples’ lives increase criminal behavior. Merton argued that a minority of American’s manufactured a belief in a superficial façade toward a desire to pursue the “American dream” at any cost. Moreover, Robert Agnew developed the General Strain Theory (GST). Agnew simplified strain as contrary to the gold rule. If people are not treating other people the way they themselves would find offensive, strain develops in those people. The GST encompasses a deluge of explanations for an amalgamation of criminal behavior. For some people, strain creates a paradoxical effect during the commission of a crime causing a reduction in strain as well. The GST had a narrow explanation-effecting Whites, Hispanics, and African Americans. Hispanics and African Americans unable to earn a living wage compared to whites increase their probability of resulting in criminal behavior. Therefore, risking being arrested and abandoning opportunities in pursuing a proper education along