A theory developed by Robert K. Merton holding that deviance is most likely to occur when there is a discrepancy between culturally prescribed goals, such as material success, and the legitimate means available to obtain them. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Facts
Core ClaimSourced to the subject's own accountA gap between culturally valued goals and the legitimate means of reaching them generates pressure toward deviance. 1 Origin YearSourced to the subject's own account Standing CritiqueSourced to the subject's own accountA common criticism is that the theory applies best to lower-class offending, since it centers on the strain of pursuing culturally approved goals with limited legitimate means, and explains middle and upper class crime less well. 2 Strain Theory
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Connections
Associated With
Theft, Offenses Merton's own worked example of the 'innovation' adaptation names theft directly (alongside organized crime and drug sales) as the illegitimate means pursued when the culturally approved goal of wealth is blocked by legitimate means.
Source Wikipedia: Strain Theory (Sociology)
Developed By
Source Wikipedia: Robert K. Merton
Informed
General strain theory generalizes Merton's classic strain theory beyond blocked economic goals to a broader range of strains and negative emotions.
Source Wikipedia: General Strain Theory
Cohen built his account of status frustration on Merton's strain framework, applied to working class boys measured against middle class standards.
Source Wikipedia: Albert K. Cohen
Informed By
Robert K. Merton adapted Durkheim's concept of anomie into strain theory's account of how blocked goals produce crime.
Source Wikipedia: Anomie
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Robert K. Merton
Theory section
Merton's contribution to sociology falls into three areas: (1) sociology of science; (2) sociology of crime and deviance; (3) sociological theory.
- Developed By: Robert K. Merton
View the Source2. Wikipedia: Strain Theory (Sociology)
Development section, 1938
Strain theory was a sociological and criminological theory developed in 1938 by Robert K. Merton.
Criticisms section
Strain theory has received several criticisms, such as: Strain theory best applies only to the lower class as they struggle with limited resources to obtain their goals.
Associated With: Theft, Merton's Theory section
Innovators often resort to illegitimate means, to obtain the culturally approved goals (e.g. wealth).
View the SourceWikipedia: General Strain Theory
Wikipedia: Anomie
Wikipedia: Albert K. Cohen
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