How does Merton’s Strain Theory work? Sociology of Crime and Deviance - A Level and GCSE

How does Merton’s Strain Theory work? Sociology of Crime and Deviance - A Level and GCSE Sociology videos and lectures.

See 'Note Taking Questions' at the end of this description to improve your experience.

This A-level sociology and GCSE Sociology video explores Merton's Strain Theory.

If you want further videos on the the sociology of Crime and Deviance then click here: Sociology - Crime and Deviance

Merton’s theory explains how both deviant as well as normal behaviour can occur from the same goals. Both innovators and conformists are pursuing money success, one illegitimately, the other legitimately.
He argues that this produces a strain to anomie where people learn to adapt in different ways.

- General assumption: societies provide both culturally-valued goals and culturally-valued means.
- Goals are based on shared assumptions in a society about what people should strive for, that is, what constitutes success for example a nice car, iPhone and so on.
- The means are how you’re supposed to obtain the goals e.g. through a good education or working hard.
- Imbalance can occur between the goals and the means (not everyone get the goals society wants them to), which leads to Strain (something like an unpleasant emotional condition)

Merton argues that this could lead to anomie, which individuals could respond to in different ways according to Merton’s merton’s five modes of adaptation.

Note Taking Questions

What is Merton’s Strain Theory?

What is a ‘Goal’ according to Merton?

How does ‘strain’ happen?

Merton argues that when ‘strain’ occurs, this can lead to anomie. People will respond to anomie in different ways. Explain each one.

Merton identified patterns in official crime statistics, explain each one.

What are the issues with Merton’s strain theory? Explain.