A2 SOCIOLOGY
MERTON’S STRAIN THEORY
LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE TOPIC
 You will be able to ...
1. 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.
2.
Structural factors: unequal opportunity structure,
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:
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.
1.
 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
Speak well
Dress Smartly
Know Classical
Music
Deferred
gratification
Know
Shakespeare
 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.