SOC109 Lecture 11

• SOC109 Lecture 11 (20249).pdf

• We react to stressors and get strained, etc.

• Strain Theory

• SOC109 Readings 11

• Social Disorganization Theory

  • How does it impact disadvantaged communities?
  • Strain Theory
  • Durkheim says it's a normal part of society.
    • "Crime has a positive function"
  • Anomie Theory

• Durkheim and Anomie

• Mertonian Anomie

• Merton's Modes of Adaptation

• Classic or Mertonian Strain

  • Merton tries to understand how crime and deviance is linked to how opportunities are divvied out in society. Social Justice
  • Focused on lower-income neighbourhoods
  • Cons
    • Not everyone has the same Goals
    • Doesn't consider blue-collar or white-collar crimes.
    • Doesn't explain violent crime.
  • It's influential though. A good concept / theory.

• Agnew's Strain Theory

• Control Theory