With Refernce to Robert Merton Strain Theory Explain Deviance
Society has strong views on the existence of norms values and mores that it strives to preserve. However in the preservation of this breadth there exists deviance in the society. In light of this comment it is the purpose of this write up to explain the occurrence of deviance in society using the strain theory. The writer will define the terms values, deviance and the strain theory and make illustrations how the theory explains the occurrence of deviance giving relevant examples in different societies.
Values from a sociological perspective refer to the views that are shared by society and of what is desirable, acceptable and draws a line between right and wrong. The values in society are clearly defined but are rather pronounced by society in different cultures. “The failure to achieve core goals that are not the result of conventional socialization and that are easily achieved through crime” can encourage delinquency (Agnew, 2001: 343). Such goals may include the desire for money, thrills/excitement, high levels of autonomy and masculine status. If barriers to achieving these goals are related to ascribed status, such as race or religion, people may see their inability to achieve such goals as unjust. This may encourage the adoption of illegitimate means to achieve these goals, since legitimate means are perceived to be blocked. These values are broad in any society ranging from education, economic success, marriage, cattle, and feminity or masculinity. On the other hand, Merton (1968) defines deviance as the characteristics of behaviours of individuals which violate group norms – including cultural mores and moral standards of the society. He further emphasizes that there has to be an inducement of a negative response from the group. Key to note is that deviant behaviour is defined by the group/ society because if the group does not give a negative reaction to behaviour then the behaviour is not considered deviant. Relatively, it is important to point out that
Values from a sociological perspective refer to the views that are shared by society and of what is desirable, acceptable and draws a line between right and wrong. The values in society are clearly defined but are rather pronounced by society in different cultures. “The failure to achieve core goals that are not the result of conventional socialization and that are easily achieved through crime” can encourage delinquency (Agnew, 2001: 343). Such goals may include the desire for money, thrills/excitement, high levels of autonomy and masculine status. If barriers to achieving these goals are related to ascribed status, such as race or religion, people may see their inability to achieve such goals as unjust. This may encourage the adoption of illegitimate means to achieve these goals, since legitimate means are perceived to be blocked. These values are broad in any society ranging from education, economic success, marriage, cattle, and feminity or masculinity. On the other hand, Merton (1968) defines deviance as the characteristics of behaviours of individuals which violate group norms – including cultural mores and moral standards of the society. He further emphasizes that there has to be an inducement of a negative response from the group. Key to note is that deviant behaviour is defined by the group/ society because if the group does not give a negative reaction to behaviour then the behaviour is not considered deviant. Relatively, it is important to point out that