Causation of Crime

1043 Words3 Pages

Two of the major criminological theories of the twentieth century are Merton’s strain/anomie theory and Shaw and McKay’s social disorganization. Both theories were very important in their time, and still influence theorization today. This paper will discuss both theories and point out similarities and differences. Robert Merton created his strain/anomie theory with a large influence from Emile Durkheim’s anomie theory. Durkheim stated that anomie is the “normlessness or deregulation” of society. One of Durkheim’s major points that Merton focused his theory on is “Western society placed a great emphasis on ‘achieving industrial prosperity’ without corresponding attention to restraining people’s appetites for success.” (Lilly, Cullen, & Ball, p. 65) Merton concentrated the strain/anomie theory on the concept of the “American Dream.” He makes the argument that society encourages everyone to pursue economic and material success at all costs. When people can’t achieve their goals of success by legitimate means, this is where the crime occurs. The institutionalized “norms” of society weaken as people are forced to turn to illegitimate means. One of the key points to Merton’s theory is “The disjunction between what the culture extols and what the social structure makes possible, therefore, places large segments of the American population in the strain-engendering position of desiring a goal that they cannot reach through conventional means…It produces intense pressure for deviation.” (Lilly, Cullen, & Ball, p. 65) One major problem lies in the fact that the opportunities for obtaining these financial goals are not equal or not easily accessible. Merton explains “The social structure limits access to the goal of success through ... ... middle of paper ... ... society, regardless of economic class, conform to idea of chasing the American Dream. In contrast, Shaw and McKay’s social disorganization theory says that crime and deviance are rooted in the urban slums. This theory believes that the middle-class live by a strong set of conventional values, and these values are rejected by the lower class. In conclusion, both strain/anomie and social disorganization theories are both very important theories in explaining the causation of crime and deviance. Many theorists today often rely heavily on these theories. As crime and society continue to change, these theories will continue to provide a solid foundation for future theories created. Works Cited Lilly, J. R., Ball, R. A., & Cullen, F. T. (2011). Criminological theory: Context and consequences. Los Angeles, CA US: Sage.

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