Strain Theory And Cultural Goals

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Strain Theory: Society has values and goals that can be achieved through acceptable means. When individuals are unable to reach their cultural goals, they may resort to or be pressured by society to commit crimes in order to attain their cultural goals. Key terms/concepts 1. “Anomie”: The strain and pressure individuals feel when they are unable to achieve their goals and desires. 2. Ritualism: When an individual stops pursuing the cultural goals but still behaves in accordance with moral rules and conduct. 3. Retreatism: When an individual withdraws from society and retreats from institutionalized means because he or she cannot achieve his or her cultural goals. 4. Rebellion: When an individual challenges or tries to replace cultural goals after rejecting society. 5. Cultural goals: Society has specific cultural goals (e.g. being wealthy, part of the upper class, independence, owning houses, cars, jewelry, etc.). 6. Institutionalized means: Cultural goals are attained through legal ways (e.g. paying for the possessions, hard work, building asset, etc.) 7. Illegitimate means: Cultural goals are attained through …show more content…

Ms. Gruwell’s cultural goal is to play an important role in the development of her students. Her first immediate goal is to provide brand new books for her students. By working three jobs, she is able to purchase the books through institutionalized means. Through her efforts, she is able to gain her students trust on a personal and academic level. 2. The concept of “retreatism” is seen in the scene where Scott Casey wants to divorce Erin Gurwell. Casey is displeased with how his life has become for he is not satisfied with his job, the constant absence of his wife, and his role as a husband. Anomie, the pressure he feels from his turmoil lifestyle, thus urges him to get a divorce with Gurwell. Here, the “crime” he is committing is wanting to file for divorce. By divorcing his wife, he hopes to live a more promising lifestyle – the life he

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