← Unit 4: Pioneering contributions to Sociology:Thinkers
1. Merton's Theory of Deviance: Anomie and Strain
Understanding Deviance Through Social Structure
Core Idea:
Merton's theory of deviance explains how social structure generates deviant behaviour. He argued that deviance arises from a mismatch between culturally prescribed goals and socially approved means of achieving them.
Definition of Conformity:
DefinitionConformity: Acceptance of both cultural goals and institutionalised means of achieving them
Definition of Deviance:
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In these notes
- Merton's Theory of Deviance: Anomie and Strain
- Two Key Elements of Social Structure
- The Disjunction Between Goals and Means
- Merton's Typology of Adaptations
- Conformity - Non-Deviant Adaptation
- Innovation - Most Common Form of Deviance
- Ritualism - Over-Conformist Deviance
- Retreatism - The "Double Failure"
- Rebellion - Revolutionary Deviance
- Anomie as a Property of Social System
- Why Strain Theory Matters
- Limitations and Criticisms
- Q: How According to Merton, Are Deviant Subcultures Generated?
- Q: How Could One Use Merton's Concept of Deviance to Understand the Traffic Problems in Urban Area?
- Quick Revision Summary
- How to Write Answers on Merton's Deviance Theory
- Expected Questions for OPSC/UPSC
- Complete Summary