Explain Structural Strain Theory?
Explain Structural Strain Theory?
Robert K. Merton, an American neo-functionalist, developed the Structural Strain Theory in 1940 as a part of a study conducted on the American society to study the increasing crime rates. The structural strain theory is also known as Deviance Theory, Strain Theory, Strain Theory of Deviance, Theory of Anomie, etc.
The Structural Strain theory points out that the gap between cultural goals and instrumental means creates a structural strain. Merton explains how the culturally defined goals and instrumental means to realize said goals exist in every society. The individual's hierarchical position on social structure determines their ability to achieve the normative goals. The individual's low social status keeps them from achieving these goals, which generates a structural strain on individuals. Therefore, societal expectations push individuals to resort to other alternatives giving rise to deviant behaviors. Merton pointed out the following ways in which individuals adapt to or approach the towards the strain between the goals and means:
- Conformity is an approach where the individual conforms to society's cultural goals and attempt to achieve them through pre-decided means.
- Innovation is an approach that leads the individual to accept and pursue cultural goals but through other means instead of on the one's defined by society.
- Ritualism is an approach when the individuals reject the cultural goals, but the instrumental means are pursued.
- Retreatism is an approach when both the cultural goals and means are rejected.
- Rebellion is a deviant approach adopted demanding social reformation, which leads to the establishment of new cultural goals and means.
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