Anomie and Strain Theory Th

The purpose of this report is to offer a critique of a criminology theory, specifically anomie and strain theory, characterized by Akers and Sellers (2004) as reflective of the belief that some forms of social disorganization so impact upon individuals that social cohesion, solidarity and integration are insufficient to eliminate crime and deviance. Anomie, also known as strain theory, proposes that social order, stability, and integration are conducive to conformity, while disorder and malintegration are conducive to crime and deviance.

Among the sociological explanations of deviance is Robert MertonÆs theory of anomie, which assumes that there is a shared value system that emphasizes success which is embraced by most members of society (Akers & Sellers, 2004). Individual adaptation to this value system and its attendant behavioral norms and expectations takes one of five forms: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion.

Rebellion and certain types of retreatism and/or innovation all present potentially criminal modes of adaptation. Anomie theory assumed, says Merton, that higher crime rates will prevail among lower socioeconomic groups where the institutionalized means for achieving cultural goals are not available. Recently, research suggests that the failure of anomie theory to account for gender differentials in criminal and delinquent behavior makes this sociological explanation of crime in

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ers to legitimate opportunities for success or status. Essentially, therefore, anomie and strain theory represent a structuralist foundation in which it is argued that modern industrial societies do not provide equality of access to important opportunities in a universal manner. The end result is that certain individuals experience anomie or alienation as a consequence of strain related to their position (or lack thereof) in society. Akers and Sellers (2004) stated that MertonÆs theory of social structure and anomie offers explanations of both micro-level and macro-level processes and therefore lends itself to multiple research investigations. However, there is little research supporting the proposition that crime and delinquency are inherently concentrated in the lower class and minority groups in the United States. Nevertheless, there is a persistent belief that individuals who are members of either a minority group or a lower socioeconomic class are among the most deprived Americans with respect to legitimate opportunities. Consequently, these individuals and/or groups may be at greatest risk for developing deviant or unacceptable social behaviors. Further support for this particular view is located in official crime s
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Approximate Word count = 1725
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)

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