Anomie & Strain Theory

Like Social Disorganization Theory, these approaches are ....

• Social process theories

• Social structure theories

• Conflict theories

Anomie is a concept introduced by whom?

• Robert K. Merton

• Emile Durkheim

• Edwin Sutherland

Durkheim's defines anomie as

• collective efficacy

• a state of normlessness in a society

• strong social cohesion

Durkheim argued that anomie (normlessness) occurs when?

• During periods of rapid social change

• During economic recessions

• a society does NOT become more sophisticated

Which theorist adapted Durkheim's anomie theory in the 1930s to explain crime in modern America?

• Robert K Merton

• Robert Agnew

Merton conceptualizes anomie slightly differently. He argues that anomie occurs when a society places more emphasis on what?

• Greater emphasis on the MEANS of attaining wealth

• Greater emphasis on the GOAL of wealth

Merton observes that Western societies care more about wealth (the ultimate goal) than HOW people obtain wealth (the means).

• True

• False

Merton argued that the pressure to pursue the American Dream ends in what for most of us?

• Happiness/satisfaction

• Fear/worry

• Strain/frustration

Merton argued we adapt to strain in different ways. Merton developed how many "adaptations"?

• Too many to count ...

• Three

• Four

• Five

Agnew then modified Merton's strain theory by ____ the concept of strain

• broadening

• narrowing

• omitting