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Unit 2 Culture and Social Structures
What are the basic elements of social bonds? According to Hirschi, the social bond has four basic components:
1. Attachment. The stronger your attachment to groups or individuals, the more likely you are to conform. In other
words, the likelihood of conformity varies with the strength of ties with parents, friends, and institutions such as schools
and churches.
2. Commitment. The greater your commitment to social goals, the more likely you are to conform. The commitment
of individuals who believe their hard work will be rewarded is greater than the commitment of people who do not
believe they can compete within the system.
3. Involvement. Participation in approved social activities increases the probability of conformity. Besides positively
focusing your time and energy, participation puts you in contact with people whose opinions you value.
4. Belief. Belief in the norms and values of society promotes conformity. A belief in the appropriateness of the rules of social
life strengthens people’s resolve not to deviate from those norms.
In short, when social bonds are weak, the chances for deviance
increase. Individuals who lack attachment, commitment, involve- ment, and belief have little incentive to follow the rules of society.
Section 2 Assessment
1. Which of the following is NOT one of the benefits of deviance for society?
a. It decreases suspicion and mistrust among members of a society.
b. It promotes social change.
c. It increases social unity.
d. It provides a safety valve.
e. It promotes clarification of norms.
2. Briefly describe the main idea of Merton’s strain theory.
3. A high school teacher who simply goes through the motions of
teaching classes without any thought of success is an example of which
response in strain theory?
4. What are the four basic elements needed to create strong social
bonds?
Critical Thinking
5. Applying Concepts Describe someone you know (anonymously, of course) who falls into one of the four deviant response categories identified by strain theory. Use specific characteristics of this person to show the influence of different aspirations on economic decisions.
This young woman is completing her purchase in a clothing store. Relate this transaction to control theory and anomie.
“A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world. Everyone you meet is your mirror.
Ken Keys U.S. author
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