Strain/Anomie Theory

1
Strain/Anomie Theory
2
What do you do when bad things happen?

• A parent abuses you
• You fail a test you studied for
• Your partner dumps you
• Your dad dies suddenly
• Your parents get a divorce
• You become a crime victim

3
Agnews Strain Theory
Blocked Goals
Corrective Actions
Negative Emotions
4
Mertons (1938) Strain TheoryA Critique of U.S.
Society

• Critique 1
• Critique 2

5
Strain/Anomie A Theory of Deviant Motivation

• We are naturally law-abiding
• We break rules because of strain
• Strain originates in our social experience

6
Mertons Anomie/Strain Model
Inequality
Crime
Culture emphasis on ends over means
7
Mertons Adaptations to Strain
Mode of Adaptation Adhere to Cultural Goals Adhere to Legitimate Means
Conformity
Ritualism
Innovation
Retreatism
Rebellion
8
Cloward and Ohlin (1960)Illegitimate
Opportunities
Adaptation Mainstream Goals Legitimate Means Illegitimate Means
Innovation Yes No
Retreatist No No
Retreatists
9
Albert K. Cohen (1955)Strain/Oppositional
Subculture

• Strain
• Oppositional subculture

10
Messner and Rosenfeld (1994)Institutional Anomie
Theory

• Institutional balance of power
• Institutional anomie (imbalance)
• The American Dream causes crime!

11
Institutional Anomie
Economic values penetrate other institutions
People less likely to look out for each other
Look out for self
12
Policy Implicationsof Strain Theory

• Equalize opportunities for success
• De-emphasize material success goals
• Emphasize playing by the rules
• Strengthen non-economic social institutions