Discuss Merton’s anomie theory. What is the source(s) of strain? What are the various ways in which an individual might respond to strain? When is crime likely to occur?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers should discuss the source of strain as being an inability to achieve the
goals of society with the socially-prescribed means. When confronted with strain,
Merton says that a person will adopt one of the five modes of adaptation. Conformity
refers to someone who accepts both the means and goals of society and carries on as
normal. Ritualism refers to someone accepting the means of society but gives up on the
goals of society. Innovation refers to someone giving up on the means of society but still
accepting the goals. He or she will find an innovative way of achieving those goals.
Rebellion involves someone giving up on both the goals and means of society and
replaces both with new goals and means. Finally, retreatism involves a person giving up
on both the goals and means of society and becoming a social dropout. Crime is most
likely to occur with the innovation adaptation, but Merton points out that this is only one
of the many possible innovative solutions. Some forms of crime, such as drug offenses
may also occur as part of the retreatist subculture.