Question

Describe Merton’s Strain theory in your own words. What does the theory suggest about the connection between ones social class and ones likelihood for commuting criminal acts. Now, think critically about what the theory suggests. What would a conflict theorist say about Merton’s Strain theory ?

Answer 1

• Strain theory is a sociological and criminological concept theorised by Robert Merton.
• It derives from Émile Durkheim’s theory of anomie, which is a state of so-called “normlessness” where social norms have eroded and that those who experience such a state are more likely to partake in anti-social behaviour or even crime in order to either satisfy their needs or simply as a result of their condition. It is a breach of “normal” society or the order that has been created and thus anomie is literally rebellion.
• Merton adapted this into his own theory of strain, which is experienced by those whose material conditions, such as their economic standing and the possessions that they own, do not match up with their expectations. For instance, someone who does not have enough money to buy the new iPhone while surrounded by advertisements for it are likely to experience strain.
• Their real-life position is at odds with what society says their life should look like or at least reflect and thus strain, like anomie, may lead that individual to act in a way in which their strain is alleviated - possibly, but not always, through crime.
• He examined crime statistics by class and found that people from lower socioeconomic classes were more likely to commit crimes that involve acquisition (stealing in one form or another). Merton then developed strain theory to explain why this is so.
• For Merton, this explained why people with less money and items that demonstrated material success would steal. The cultural value on economic success is so great that the social force of it pushes some to attain it or the appearance of it through any means necessary.
• In the US, there are two key legitimate and approved means to achieving this: education and work. However, access to these means is not equally distributed in U.S. society. Access is brokered by class, race, gender, sexuality, and cultural capital, among other things.
• Merton would suggest that what results, then, is strain between the cultural goal of economic success and unequal access to available means and that this leads to the use of deviant behavior -- like theft, selling things on the black or gray markets, or embezzling -- in pursuit of economic success.
• A conflict theorist would say that no matter where you go, there is always those who have and those who have not. A conflict will exist in individuals either due to class or socio economic status and their own expectations which would lead to strain.
• The conflict theory originating from Marx, speaks of the struggle between the powerful trying to remain lord of the powerless who fight to have a better life. This macro structure keeps society functioning orderly. When applied to deviance and crime, the powerful (often the elites and wealthy of society who are the often reference group) label the powerless as deviants or criminal. In reality, many wealthy politicians illustrate this when they label individuals who pose threats to their authority as criminals. However, because they have the resources, they are able to buy themselves out of crime, an example of corruption.