Merton s Strain Theory Of Society Essay - 1952 Words

Merton’s Strain Theory is one of the most prevalent theories to society. Merton’s theory states that people commit crimes due to strains in life. These strains can be due to financial issues, school, family issues, etc. These strains can be essentially from anything. This theory is expressed through pop culture in film, music, TV, and even the news. You can see how strains can lead individuals to do things that they otherwise, when rationally thinking, would not do. These things can be as petty as burglary to assault to even murder. Merton, the founder of the Strain Theory, concluded that the American Dream is one of the most significant means of strain, because the American Dream as we know it is a false hope and the lower class that would typically aspire to reach the American Dream begin to see that it is false. Merton’s Strain Theory was established in 1957, and was a revision of Durkheim’s Theory of Anomie. Merton believed that the, â€Å"American Dr eam,† is the most significant causes of crime. People aspire to reach the American Dream that is portrayed through media and culture but the means simply do not allow it. In today’s society, people are expected to make it on their own and more often than not, this is impossible. People would eventually realize that reaching the American Dream for them is essentially impossible. This creates a strain, which is essentially a stress. These Strains can be from anything essentially, such as financial reasons, emotional reasons, orShow MoreRelatedRobert Merton : Strain Theory1606 Words   |  7 Pages Robert Merton: Strain Theory Lashaya B. Jenae B. Raykyle H. Dominique W. Lidiya Y. Morgan State University Sociology 331-001 03/05/2015 Robert K. Merton developed the structural strain theory as an extension of the functionalist perspective on deviance. This theory traces the origins of deviance to the tensions that are caused by the gap between cultural goals and the means people have available to achieve those goals (CrossmanRead MoreThe Origin Of Criminal Behavior And / Or Deviant Behavior989 Words   |  4 PagesThere are numerous theories on how to explain the origin of criminal behavior and/or deviant behavior, one of those theories is called Strain Theory. Robert Merton was the sociologist that developed strain theory in 1949 (revised in 1968). Robert Merton based his theory on the fact that all people want to achieve the American dream of economic status. He believed that environmental factors caused a strain on a person’s ability to achieve the American dream of economic success and depending on whatRead MoreCultural Differences Vs And Robert Mertons Strain Theory1433 Words   |  6 PagesThe strain theory analyses the extent to which people are able to pursue, access and achieve success. Strain theory says that those unable to achieve success experience strain which is a disconnect between desires and aspirations along with the means to achieve these variables. There are several responses and coping strategies that are connected to strain, one being crime. The cultural messages within strain are the goals and the means. There are two main theorist who explain strain, Robert MertonRead MoreAnomie and General Strain Theories of Crime Essay1267 Words   |  6 PagesAnomie/Strain Theory Historical Background The theoretical framework of strain theory can be credited to sociologist Emile Durkheim. Durkheim research on formed a platform for other sociologist to further develop strain theories of crime. One of which is Robert Merton. One of Durkheim’s major works that opened the door to further research on strain theories was his book, Suicide. In this book Durkheim sough to understand the why led to one’s own self-destruction. Emile Durkheim studied suicide ratesRead Morecriminology paper1699 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿ Strain Theory in Relation to Crime Strain causes people to act against the law, breaking laws to attain their means. Merton’s theory on strain and anomie provides us with reasons for why the offender committed the crime break and enter. Merton’s strain theory shows us that the offender understood the norms of society but could not attain the means of it, he needed money go back to his girlfriend who was out west. Merton’s theory states that an individual who is lacking in social forms is moreRead MoreGeneral Strain Theory And The Contingency Theory Essay980 Words   |  4 PagesThis theory analysis paper will be discussing The General Strain Theory and The Contingency Theory. This paper will provide the reader with a brief summary of each theory so that terms and examples will be understood by all. In this paper there will be issues that can correlate with each theory. I will also input my personal opinions on what I believe are the strengths and weaknesses of each theory in detail. Strain theory was derived from the work of Émile Durkheim and Robert Merton and taken fromRead MoreDeviance : Deviance And Deviance1292 Words   |  6 Pagesalternate group. Understanding what society sees as deviant additionally requires understanding the connection that figures out who has the ability to judge a few practices as degenerate and others not. The sociological meaning of deviance perceives that built up principles and standards are made by the general public, not simply ethically announced or separately forced. Sociologists underscore that deviance lies in conduct itself, as well as in the reactions of society to the conduct. SociologistsRead MoreA Critical Comparison Of Marxist Theory And Merton’S Strain1530 Words   |  7 Pages  A Critical Comparison of Marxist Theory and Merton’s Strain Theory of Deviance. 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Strain is a term that is used to refer to explanations of criminal behaviourRead MoreStrain Theory And Its Impact On Society Essay1641 Words   |  7 Pagesscience field, strain theory has been expanded and advanced by many theorists over the last century. Created by Emile Durkheim in a study surrounding suicide, it quickly adapted to other areas of criminology and sociology. Strain theory can explain many forms of crimes, it cannot account for all forms of crime and deviant behaviour within society. Strain is prevalent throughout many forms of societal life, but not all can be linked to the crimes of which are committed by those within society, it tends