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Robert King Merton was an American sociologist who argued that the social structure of a society can encourage deviance to a large degree. Merton's theory borrows from Èmile Durkheim's theory of anomie, which argues that industrialization would fundamentally alter the function of society; ultimately, causing a breakdown of social ties, social norms, and the social order.
This theory is commonly used in the study of criminology (specifically the strain theory). In 1938, Merton's "Social Structure and Anomie", one of the most important works of structural theory in American sociology, Merton's basic assumption was that the individual is not just in a structured system of action but that his or her actions may be ...
Diagram depicting Robert K. Merton's Social Strain Theory. Individuals respond based on acceptance or rejection of cultural norms and institutionalized means of achieving goals. Items portrayed in this file
Robert Merton’s Strain Theory dictates that deviance in lower economic classes oftentimes is characterized by retreatism deviance. [13] Merton claims that homelessness and addiction in lower classes is a result of individuals rebelling against both work and the desire for economic progress. [13]
Agnew recognized that strain theory, originally put forward by Robert King Merton, was limited in terms of fully conceptualizing the range of possible sources of strain in society, especially among youth. According to Merton, innovation occurs when society emphasizes socially desirable and approved goals but at the same time provides inadequate ...
Strain theory, also known as Mertonian Anomie, advanced by American sociologist Robert Merton, suggests that mainstream culture, especially in the United States, is saturated with dreams of opportunity, freedom, and prosperity—as Merton put it, the American Dream. Most people buy into this dream, and it becomes a powerful cultural and ...
Strain theory is a theoretical perspective that identifies anomie (i.e. normlessness) as the result of a society that provides little moral guidance to individuals. [ 1 ] : 134 Emile Durkheim (1893) first described anomie as one of the results of an inequitable division of labour within a society, observing that social periods of disruption ...
Strain theory can refer to; In chemistry: Baeyer strain theory; In social sciences: Strain theory (sociology), the theory that social structures within society may pressure citizens to commit crime; Value-added theory, the assumption that certain conditions are needed for the development of a social movement