Page 241 - Sociology and You

Chapter 7 Deviance and Social Control
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Figure 7.2 Merton’s Strain Theory
Culturally Approved Goal: Success
Accepts goal of success
Socially Accepted Way to Succeed: Hard Work
Rejects hard work as the appropriate way to succeed
Conformity Response
Deviant Responses
Innovation— finds illegal ways to succeed
Examples
Criminal
Accepts goal of success
Accepts hard work as the appropriate way to succeed
Conformity— works hard to succeed
Business executive
Rejects goal of success
Accepts hard work as the appropriate way to succeed
Ritualism—acts as if he wants to succeed but does not exert much effort
Unmotivated teacher
Rejects goal of success
Rejects hard work as the appropriate way to succeed
Retreatism— drops out of the race for success
Skid row alcoholic
Rejects goal of success
Rejects hard work as the appropriate way to succeed
Rebellion— substitutes new way to achieve new goal
Militia group member
Adapted from Robert K. Merton, Social Theory and Social Structure, rev. ed. New York: Free Press.
Control Theory
Travis Hirschi’s control theory (1972) is also based on Durkheim’s views. According to control theory, conformity to social norms depends on the presence of strong bonds between individuals and society. If those bonds are weak—if anomie is present—deviance occurs.
In this theory, social bonds control the behavior of people, thus prevent- ing deviant acts. People conform because they don’t want to “lose face” with family members, friends, or classmates.
control theory
theory that compliance with social norms requires strong bonds between individuals and society