Robert K. Merton proposed a theory of anomie in contrast to that of Emile DurkheimÆs. Whereas Durkheim theorized that anomie or deviance is caused by a sudden and major social change, MertonÆs Strain Theory proposed that anomie or deviance arises from ôàa social structure that holds out the same goals to all its members without giving them equal means to achieve themö (MertonÆs, p. 1). In other words, anomie results from the gulf between what the culture holds out as goals and what the structure of that culture permits.
In Joel SchumacherÆs Falling Down, we see that MertonÆs Strain Theory seems to adequately explain the deviance or anomie encountered by and engendered in Bill Foster, as he tries to make his way to his daughterÆs birthday party. Foster was a well-paid defense worker who had it all figured out, but his tendency to violence against his wife and child caused him to become divorced with a restraining order against his approaching them. In the film, FosterÆs only goal of the moment is to make it to his daughterÆs birthday party. However, along the way he is blocked by violent gang members, con men, bigots and the economically disenfranchised, i.e. the homeless.
We see FosterÆs frustration grow. He is angered when a Korean grocer charges him .85 cents for a soda but wonÆt give him change for the phone. HeÆs attacked by Latinos and uses his briefcase as a weapon. In a later episode with the same gang members, he makes off with their sack of weapons. Suddenly, Foster becomes a worker drone in his mind with a bar code instead of a name. He becomes a canÆt take it anymore taxpayer who recognizes, as Merton suggests, that the goals society holds out for him are unattainable due to a corrupt and privileged system of which he is not part. He encounters a neo-Nazi and decides a wealthy country club golf course is a waste of good land.
Foster slowly is transformed from a law-abiding citizen
...