Crime and Strain Theory

The video discusses how societies maintain cohesion through shared values, which can have both positive and negative effects. Merton's strain theory is introduced, explaining that societal values push individuals to seek wealth and success, but not everyone has equal opportunities to achieve these goals legitimately. This leads to a state of anomie, where some may resort to crime or reject societal values. The origins of crime and deviance are linked to the structure and values of modern capitalist societies, rather than individual characteristics.

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