The Strain Theory By Robert Merton - 1200 Words

Each person at some point develops their own personal goals for their life. These goals can range anywhere from owning that perfect home with a white picket fence, becoming a famous artist or athlete, earning a degree and landing that dream job, or becoming a person of high social stature. These life goals can be a product of societal influences and expectations. However, what happens when these goals seem to be unachievable for a person? The strain theory that was developed by Robert Merton sheds light onto a possible answer for that question. The strain theory suggests that people put emphasis on achieving certain life goals or obtaining certain objects in their lives due to societal influences and pressures. When those goals or objects can’t be obtained stress is caused and it can influence more people to commit crimes. The strain theory separates people into four different paths when these goals can’t be achieved, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism, and Rebellion. As was mentioned before, each person has most likely created their own goals to achieve what they want out of their life. A common goal that many people share in modern times is to earn a college degree. Within earning a degree there are great opportunities that are envisioned. A college degree is said to earn people the career of their dreams, money, and a stable successful life. Society puts emphasis on the urgency to go to college. You can easily obtain a degree by staying in high school, getting decentShow MoreRelatedRobert Merton : Strain Theory1606 Words   |  7 Pages Robert Merton: Strain Theory Lashaya B. Jenae B. Raykyle H. Dominique W. Lidiya Y. Morgan State University Sociology 331-001 03/05/2015 Robert K. Merton developed the structural strain theory as an extension of the functionalist perspective on deviance. This theory traces the origins of deviance to the tensions that are caused by the gap between cultural goals and the means people have available to achieve those goals (CrossmanRead MoreRobert Merton Strain Theory Essay1017 Words   |  5 PagesIdentify the key aspects of Robert Merton’s ‘strain theory’. It was a powerful statement focussing on the social causes of crime but what were its limitations? This essay is going to demonstrate an understanding of Robert Merton’s strain theory, the advantages of the Strain theory and also the disadvantages of the theory. Robert Merton (1910) best known for developing theories of deviance. Robert Merton is considered to be one of the most influential social scientists. Merton’s work is highlyRead MoreRobert Merton s Strain Theory1299 Words   |  6 PagesI have selected Robert Merton’s Strain theory and Edwin Sutherlands Differential Association theory and their approach to the study of crime for my essay. Robert Merton developed the theory that people engage in deviant behaviour when they can’t achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means. Deviance is a result of the strain an individual feels when they cannot achieve legitimately. Merton uses â€Å"The American Dream† to illustrate strain theory. Merton’s explanation is in two pieces; StructuralRead MoreThe General Strain Theory By Robert Merton1352 Words   |  6 PagesGeneral Strain Theory-Susan Smith In 1995, a very heinous, mysterious crime was committed the murder of two innocent boys by their mother. This crime was thought to be completely unexplainable. This mother convinced America that a black man had stole her car and kidnapped her children. Little did we know this suicidal woman would be capable of committing such a crime. There are many theories that you can apply to this case. However the theory that fits it most closely is the general strain theory. TheRead MoreThe Strain Theory Was Formulated By Robert K. Merton1088 Words   |  5 Pagesshooting himself in the head. The theory that could most likely explain what happened beyond this act would be the strain theory. The strain theory was formulated by Robert K. Merton. Merton argued that â€Å"society may be set up in a way that encourages too much deviance† (Study.com). Merton also believed there was â€Å"a disjunction between socially approved means to success and legitimate cultural goals† (Study.com). Lanza corresponds into this particular theory because he had been a troubled personRead MoreRobert Merton Stain Theory1204 Words   |  5 PagesRobert Merton’s Anomie/Strain Theory James King Jr. Savannah State University Theories of Criminal Behavior Prof. W. Brooks March 4, 2012 Since the beginning of mankind criminality has been a major problem and the most debated topic of interest by theorist on the grounds of why crime is committed, who is more prone to commit crime, and what prevents people from committing delinquent acts. The formulation of the Stain theory and Anomie Theory by Robert Merton give insight on the many questionRead MoreThe Origin Of Criminal Behavior And / Or Deviant Behavior989 Words   |  4 PagesThere are numerous theories on how to explain the origin of criminal behavior and/or deviant behavior, one of those theories is called Strain Theory. Robert Merton was the sociologist that developed strain theory in 1949 (revised in 1968). Robert Merton based his theory on the fact that all people want to achieve the American dream of economic status. He believed that environmental factors caused a strain on a person’s ability to achieve the American dream of economic success and depending on whatRead MoreThe Strain Theory Of Criminal Behavior And Is A Breakdown Of Why People Commit Crimes1633 Words   |  7 PagesRunning Head: Strain Theory Stain Theory Keisha Harris Valdosta State University The strain theory explains the criminal behavior and is a breakdown of why people commit crimes. The theory was developed by an American Sociologist Robert K. Merton (1910-2003). Merton believed that the society influences deviance and plays a huge role in criminals committing crimes. Emile Durkheim (1858-1957) presented the earliest version of the strain theory. He believed that well-built societiesRead MoreCultural Differences Vs And Robert Mertons Strain Theory1433 Words   |  6 PagesThe strain theory analyses the extent to which people are able to pursue, access and achieve success. Strain theory says that those unable to achieve success experience strain which is a disconnect between desires and aspirations along with the means to achieve these variables. There are several responses and coping strategies that are connected to strain, one being crime. The cultural messages within strain are the goals and the means. There are two main theorist who explain strain, Robert MertonR ead MoreAnomie and General Strain Theories of Crime Essay1267 Words   |  6 PagesAnomie/Strain Theory Historical Background The theoretical framework of strain theory can be credited to sociologist Emile Durkheim. Durkheim research on formed a platform for other sociologist to further develop strain theories of crime. One of which is Robert Merton. One of Durkheim’s major works that opened the door to further research on strain theories was his book, Suicide. In this book Durkheim sough to understand the why led to one’s own self-destruction. Emile Durkheim studied suicide rates