11. Merton's Strain Theory

Quote Analysis

"A cardinal American virtue, 'ambition', promotes a cardinal American vice, 'deviant behaviour' Robert K. Merton

What do you think this quote means/is saying?
In what ways do you think ambition is championed in American culture?
Do you believe this quote can apply to Australian culture?

Robert K Merton

Strain theory developed by Robert K. Merton's, suggests that social pressures can drive people towards committing crimes. Merton believe that these pressures or STRAINS, exist within different levels of society and affect individuals based on their personal needs.

In our societies there are common shared aspirations such as the 'Australian Dream', which is centred around owning a home and starting a family. However, this dream does not consider the social and economic differences that exist in society.

These social and economic issues include: Gender or racial discrimination when seeking employeement, people with mental health issues and the stigma they have, People with disabilities and their stigma and many more.

As a result of these societial issues people face challenges when attempting to achieve their personal goals as their are society wide barriers stopping them.

Strain Theory

Merton's strain theory suggests that when people in society are unable to achieve their goals in the accepted and legal way, it creates tension or strain.

Society promotes the idea of achieving material success, wealth and social status, but not everyone has equal opportunities to achieve these goals.

Thus, when people can't achieve these goals they are strained they take alternate methods.

How People Respond to the Strain

Merton identified 5 ways in which people can respond to this strain:

Conformity
Innovation
Ritualism
Retreatism
Rebellion

Conformity

People who conform believe in the goals of society and follow the established rules to achieve them. These people work hard, get an education and try to suceed in their careers within the system.

Innovation

Innovators also want to achieve society's goals, but they may not follow the accepted rules to get there. They may resort to illegal or unconventional methods to gain wealth and success, such as stealing or selling drugs.

Ritualism

Ritualist's give up on achieving society's goals because they feel it's impossible. Instead, they focus on following the rules and routines without any real ambition for success. An example of this is someone who goes to work every day but doesn't have any desire to move up the career ladder.

Retreatism

Retreatists give up on both the goals and the means of society. They withdraw from society and often turn to things like substance abuse or choose to live in isolation.

Rebellion

Rebels reject both the goals and the means of society, but want to change the system. They actively challenge the existing norms and work to create new goals and ways of achieving them. This includes things such as political activism or advocating for social change. At the extreme end this can present itself as terrorism.

Activities to complete:

Questions to complete:

Explain Robert Merton's strain theory and explain 2 of the ways people respond to these strains. (3 Marks)
Explain how Robert Merton's strain theory may connect to someone undertaking an act of terrorism. (2 Marks)

Textbook activities:

Activity Q. Sheets printed out and to be given to you to complete. Complete Q1 in your book and Q2 on the sheet.

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