Interconnectedness of Sociological Theories  Strain theory argues that all members of society subscribe to one set of cultural values – that of the middle-class.  One important middle-class value is economic success.  Society is structured in such a way to restrict access to the legitimate means of achieving middle class goals – some people will then turn to illegitimate means in desperation. ©2012 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd.LO1

Durkheim’s Structural- Functionalist Perspective  Structural-Functionalist perspective was developed by Emile Durkheim.  Anomie: the breakdown of social order as a result of the loss of standards and values, normlessness.  Durkheim believed that rapid social change caused crime. ©2012 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd.LO1

 Structural-Functionalism accepts that a certain amount of deviance and crime is “normal” and functional to society.  Deviance and crime are necessary to define the boundaries of acceptable behaviour.  Punishment of deviants confirms the “moral boundaries” of society and reaffirms conventional norms and values. ©2012 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. Durkheim’s Structural- Functionalist Perspective (cont’d) LO1

Merton’s Strain Theory  Merton also related the crime problem to anomie, but did not focus on the role of social change.  Merton looked to the social structure that holds out the same goals to all its members without having equal means to achieve these goals.  The greatest proportion of crime will be found in the lower classes because of the lack of opportunity to reach goals. ©2012 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd.LO1, LO2

Merton’s Mode’s of Adaptation ©2012 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd.LO1, LO2

 Conformity: Most common. Individuals accept the culturally defined goals and the prescribed means for achieving those goals.  Innovation: Individuals accept society’s goals, but design their own means for achieving them.  Ritualism: Individuals abandon society’s goals and concentrate only on the means.  Retreatism: Individuals who give up on the goals and the means.  Rebellion: Individuals who reject the cultural goals and the cultural means and substitute new cultural goals and means. ©2012 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. Merton’s Mode’s of Adaptation LO1, LO2