Overview
In this week’s unit, we embark on a comprehensive journey into the heart of sociological theories that seek to shed light on the intricate relationship between society and crime. At the forefront of our exploration is Émile Durkheim’s groundbreaking anomie theory. Durkheim, a pioneer in the field of sociology, proposed that rapid social change and a sense of normlessness or ‘anomie’ within a community can act as catalysts for criminal behavior. This sense of normlessness arises when individuals feel disconnected from societal norms and values, leading them to seek alternative, often deviant, paths.
Building on the foundation laid by Durkheim, Robert K. Merton introduced the strain theory. Merton’s perspective delves deeper into the societal structures, emphasizing the tension that arises when there’s a mismatch between the cultural goals set by society and the legitimate means available to individuals to achieve those goals. In such scenarios, individuals might resort to illicit means, such as crime, to bridge the gap between their aspirations and reality.
Taking the conversation a step further, Robert Agnew’s General Strain Theory broadens the scope by not just focusing on societal goals and means but also on the emotional responses to negative experiences and relationships. Agnew posits that experiences of adversity, be it in personal relationships or broader societal interactions, can evoke strong feelings of anger and frustration. These negative emotions, when not addressed or channeled appropriately, can manifest as criminal behavior.
By delving deep into these sociological theories, our objective is not just to academically understand the underpinnings of crime but to also appreciate the broader societal implications. Recognizing the root causes of criminal behavior allows us to better address the challenges it presents, paving the way for more cohesive and harmonious societies.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify Émile Durkheim’s contributions to understanding social changes and anomie.
- Explain why Robert K. Merton’s theory of strain become popular when it did, as well as how his conceptualization of “anomie” differed from Durkheim’s.
- Discuss how Robert Agnew’s proposed model of general strain added more sources of strain to Merton’s original framework.
- Identify some ways the various models of strain theory have informed the making of policies intended to reduce criminality.
