MERTON’S STRAIN THEORY A2 SOCIOLOGY

LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE TOPIC You will be able to Identify and define the functionalist perspectives on crime including the functions of crime, 2. Identify and define the concept of strain and its role in explaining deviance, 3. Identify and define the differences between different strain and subcultural theories, 4. Apply and evaluate the functionalist, strain and subcultural theories of crime and deviance

Word Fill e.g. Fill in the missing words (can include the words underneath - in the wrong order of course - for differentiation) The X _______ is a popular programme on ____. All of the contestants are extremely________ and ________. Simon Cowell always says ______ things and makes the performers feel ______ about themselves.

What do you think ? Go to the whiteboard and write down one board which you believe links in with the concept of the strain theory

Introduction... Argues that people engage in deviant behaviour when they are unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means, Key functionalist for the strain theory is Merton (1938), Merton (1938) adapted Durkheim theory of anomie to explain the concepts of deviance which combines 2 elements: 1. Structural factors: unequal opportunity structure, 2. Cultural factors: strong emphasis on success goals + weaker emphasis on using legitimate means to achieve them.

Merton and the American Dream American are expected to pursue this goal by legitimate means: 1. Self discipline, 2. Educational qualification, 3. Hard work in a career, (Add picture of the pursuit of happiness)

Film You will know watch part of the movie “ The Pursuit of Happiness” Individually using your knowledge based on the notes you made after reading the article identify how some of the key points that you have identified might have been reflected in the movie.

Merton (1938) Although Merton uses the strain theory in order to explain some of the patterns of deviance found in society, he argues that an individual’s position in the social structure affects the way they might adapt or respond to strain or anomie. Merton (1938) identified 5 types of adaptation depending on whether an individual accepts, rejects or replaces the approved cultural goals.

Market Place Add market picture

What do you think ? Based on the information gathered from the previous task, in your table group evaluate Merton’s strain theory both pointing out the positive and negative points. You must justify each and everyone of your points with some evidence.

Subcultural Strain theory The subcultural strain theories of see deviance as the product of a delinquent subculture with different values from those of mainstream society, They see subcultures as providing an alternative opportunity structure for those who are denied the chance to achieve by legitimate means (working class), Key theorist: A.K Cohen (1955)

Cohen (1955) Although Cohen agrees with Merton that deviance is mainly a lower class phenomenon he argues that: 1. Merton’s view that deviance is an individual problem as most deviance is actually committed in groups, 2. Merton’s focus on utilitarian crime for material gain just disguises crimes such assault and vandalism which may have not economic motive. Cohen’s research mainly focuses amongst working class boys as he believe that they face more anomie than the middle class, Cohen’s believes that working class boys inability to achieve in a middle class world through legitimate means (education) leads them to suffer with status frustration.

Middle class values Deferred gratification Speak well Dress Smartly Know Shakespeare Know Classical Music

The delinquent gang can be one such alternative status channel. The delinquent gang may now turn the values of the school and the education system on its head. What is good in the teachers’ eyes becomes bad in their eyes, and what is bad in the teachers’ eyes become good in their eyes. This is a “reactive” subculture which overturns the dominant middle class values of the school and wider society. Even though outwardly the gang rejects the norms and values of the dominant middle class culture, they have internalised it from birth.

Can you think of examples of cultural deprivation which can affect working class boys achievement in education ? Can you think of examples of what working class boys suffering from status frustration might do in order to enhance their lack of status?

Repressed into the unconscious these feelings of inferiority and failure boil away. This leads to a “reaction formation”. The repressed feelings of inferiority are expressed through peculiarly malicious and violent acts. Violent and destructive acts that serve no rational purpose may be explained this way.

Criticisms of Cohen No mention of females. These individuals would need to be great sociologists to work out what middle class values are and invert them. Cohen fails to prove that school really is the key place where success and failure are demonstrated.

Discussion Points What are two key strengths of Cohen’s approach to Crime and Deviance? What are two key weaknesses? Can this theory help us to understand contemporary forms of crime and deviance such as “Happy Slapping”? On a scale of 1 – 10 how do you rate this theory?

Read through the text Cloward and Ohlin : three subcultures Cohen In pairs write 10 questions relating to the theory you are allocated. At least 4 must use these words Describe, outline, explain..... – you can decide the marks available but must include them next to the question Swap questions with another pair and answer the questions they have given you Swap back and mark their answers

Homework Assess the usefulness of functionalist theories for an understanding of crime and deviance (21 marks) Due next week

Just a Minute One pupil starts to speak about the topic covered. At the first repetition, pause or mistake another takes over - and so on until the minute is up.