Functionalist Subcultural Theories - Merton: Strain Theory Flashcards

1
Q

Why does Merton argue people commit crime?

A

Argues people commit crime when they want the cultural goal but cannot achieve it

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2
Q

What does Merton argue people do when they cannot achieve the cultural goal legitimately?

A

Not everyone can achieve the goal legitimately so turn to illegitimate means such as crime and deviance

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3
Q

What does Merton call the pressure to deviate?

A

Strain to anomie

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4
Q

What are Merton’s five adaptations to strain?

A

Conformity

Innovation

Ritualism

Retreatism

Rebellion

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5
Q

What does Merton say conformity is?

A

Where they can gain the cultural goal through legitimate means

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6
Q

What does Merton say innovation is?

A

Where they want the cultural goal but can’t gain it through legitimate means

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7
Q

What does Merton say ritualism is?

A

Where they reject the cultural goal but do everything legitimately

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8
Q

What does Merton say retreatism is?

A

Where they reject both the cultural goal and the means of achieving them

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9
Q

What does Merton say rebellion is?

A

Where they reject the goals of society and replace them with radically different new goals

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10
Q

What are the criticisms of Merton’s strain theory?

A

Recognises many deviants share mainstream goals

Marxists argue it ignores the power of the RC to create and enforce laws and criminalise the WC

It’s too deterministic: not everyone will commit crime if they cannot achieve the cultural goal legitimately

It cannot explain non-utilitarian crime

Ignores group deviance

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