Which Theoretical Perspective Says That Deviance Results From The Gap Between The Cultural Emphasis On Economic Success And The Inability To Achieve Such Success Through Legitimate Means By Some Individuals Or Groups?A. Conflict Theory B. Labeling

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Theoretical Perspectives on Deviance: Understanding the Gap Between Cultural Emphasis and Legitimate Means

Deviance is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been studied extensively in various fields, including sociology, psychology, and criminology. Theoretical perspectives on deviance aim to explain why individuals or groups engage in behaviors that are considered deviant or abnormal. In this article, we will explore one theoretical perspective that highlights the gap between cultural emphasis on economic success and the inability to achieve such success through legitimate means.

Strain theory, also known as Merton's strain theory, is a sociological theory developed by Robert K. Merton in 1938. According to Merton, deviance results from the gap between the cultural emphasis on economic success and the inability to achieve such success through legitimate means by some individuals or groups. This theory posits that the cultural emphasis on economic success creates a strain on individuals who are unable to achieve it through legitimate means.

Key Components of Strain Theory

  1. Cultural Emphasis on Economic Success: Merton argues that modern society places a strong emphasis on economic success, which is often measured by wealth, status, and material possessions. This cultural emphasis creates a sense of pressure on individuals to achieve economic success.
  2. Inability to Achieve Economic Success through Legitimate Means: Merton suggests that some individuals or groups are unable to achieve economic success through legitimate means, such as education, hard work, and entrepreneurship. This inability creates a sense of frustration and disillusionment.
  3. Strain and Deviance: The gap between the cultural emphasis on economic success and the inability to achieve it through legitimate means creates a strain on individuals, which can lead to deviance. Deviance can take many forms, including crime, delinquency, and other forms of abnormal behavior.

Types of Strain

Merton identifies five types of strain that can lead to deviance:

  1. Conformity: Individuals who accept the cultural emphasis on economic success and try to achieve it through legitimate means.
  2. Innovation: Individuals who accept the cultural emphasis on economic success but try to achieve it through illegitimate means, such as crime or delinquency.
  3. Ritualism: Individuals who reject the cultural emphasis on economic success but continue to engage in routine and ritualistic behavior.
  4. Retreatism: Individuals who reject the cultural emphasis on economic success and withdraw from society.
  5. Rebellion: Individuals who reject the cultural emphasis on economic success and engage in revolutionary or counter-cultural behavior.

Critique of Strain Theory

Strain theory has been subject to various criticisms and challenges. Some of the key criticisms include:

  1. Overemphasis on Individual Failure: Strain theory focuses on individual failure to achieve economic success, which can be seen as blaming the victim.
  2. Lack of Empirical Evidence: Some critics argue that there is a lack of empirical evidence to support the theory.
  3. Oversimplification: Strain theory oversimplifies the complex relationships between culture, economy, and deviance.

In conclusion, strain theory provides a useful framework for understanding the gap between cultural emphasis on economic success and the inability to achieve such success through legitimate means. While the theory has its limitations and criticisms, it remains a valuable contribution to the study of deviance and social inequality. By understanding the strain theory, we can better appreciate the complex relationships between culture, economy, and deviance, and develop more effective strategies for addressing social problems.

  • Merton, R. K. (1938). Social structure and anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
  • Merton, R. K. (1957). Social theory and social structure. Free Press.
  • Agnew, R. (1992). Foundation for a general strain theory of crime and delinquency. Criminology, 30(1), 47-87.
  1. What are the key components of strain theory?
  2. How does strain theory explain deviance?
  3. What are the five types of strain identified by Merton?
  4. What are the limitations and criticisms of strain theory?
  5. How can strain theory be applied to real-world social problems?
    Q&A: Understanding Strain Theory and Deviance

In our previous article, we explored the theoretical perspective of strain theory, which explains deviance as a result of the gap between cultural emphasis on economic success and the inability to achieve such success through legitimate means. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about strain theory and deviance.

Q: What is strain theory, and how does it explain deviance?

A: Strain theory, developed by Robert K. Merton, explains deviance as a result of the gap between cultural emphasis on economic success and the inability to achieve such success through legitimate means. This theory posits that the cultural emphasis on economic success creates a strain on individuals who are unable to achieve it through legitimate means, leading to deviance.

Q: What are the key components of strain theory?

A: The key components of strain theory include:

  1. Cultural Emphasis on Economic Success: The cultural emphasis on economic success creates a sense of pressure on individuals to achieve economic success.
  2. Inability to Achieve Economic Success through Legitimate Means: Some individuals or groups are unable to achieve economic success through legitimate means, such as education, hard work, and entrepreneurship.
  3. Strain and Deviance: The gap between the cultural emphasis on economic success and the inability to achieve it through legitimate means creates a strain on individuals, which can lead to deviance.

Q: What are the five types of strain identified by Merton?

A: Merton identifies five types of strain that can lead to deviance:

  1. Conformity: Individuals who accept the cultural emphasis on economic success and try to achieve it through legitimate means.
  2. Innovation: Individuals who accept the cultural emphasis on economic success but try to achieve it through illegitimate means, such as crime or delinquency.
  3. Ritualism: Individuals who reject the cultural emphasis on economic success but continue to engage in routine and ritualistic behavior.
  4. Retreatism: Individuals who reject the cultural emphasis on economic success and withdraw from society.
  5. Rebellion: Individuals who reject the cultural emphasis on economic success and engage in revolutionary or counter-cultural behavior.

Q: What are the limitations and criticisms of strain theory?

A: Some of the limitations and criticisms of strain theory include:

  1. Overemphasis on Individual Failure: Strain theory focuses on individual failure to achieve economic success, which can be seen as blaming the victim.
  2. Lack of Empirical Evidence: Some critics argue that there is a lack of empirical evidence to support the theory.
  3. Oversimplification: Strain theory oversimplifies the complex relationships between culture, economy, and deviance.

Q: How can strain theory be applied to real-world social problems?

A: Strain theory can be applied to real-world social problems, such as:

  1. Poverty and Economic Inequality: Strain theory can help explain why individuals or groups engage in deviant behavior due to economic inequality.
  2. Crime and Delinquency: Strain theory can help explain why individuals or groups engage in crime or delinquency due to the gap between cultural emphasis on economic success and the inability to achieve it through legitimate means.
  3. Social Movements and Revolution: Strain theory can help explain why individuals or groups engage in social movements or revolution due to the rejection of cultural emphasis on economic success.

Q: What are some potential solutions to address the strain theory?

A: Some potential solutions to address the strain theory include:

  1. Economic Development and Growth: Increasing economic opportunities and growth can help reduce the gap between cultural emphasis on economic success and the inability to achieve it through legitimate means.
  2. Social Welfare Programs: Implementing social welfare programs, such as education and job training, can help individuals or groups achieve economic success through legitimate means.
  3. Cultural Change: Changing cultural values and emphasis on economic success can help reduce the strain on individuals or groups.

In conclusion, strain theory provides a useful framework for understanding the gap between cultural emphasis on economic success and the inability to achieve such success through legitimate means. By understanding the strain theory, we can better appreciate the complex relationships between culture, economy, and deviance, and develop more effective strategies for addressing social problems.