CMY3701 Assignment 1
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 (506251) -
DUE 18 March 2025
100% GUARANTEEED
, CMY3701 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2025 (506251) - DUE
18 March 2025
SECTION A 1.1. Present a detailed discussion of
Merton’s (1938) anomie theory. (15)
Merton’s (1938) anomie theory, also known as Strain Theory, provides a
sociological explanation for deviant behavior, particularly crime, by examining the
relationship between cultural goals and the institutional means available to achieve
them. This theory builds upon Émile Durkheim’s concept of anomie, which refers
to a state of normlessness or a breakdown of social norms due to rapid social
change.
1. Background and Key Concepts
Robert K. Merton developed anomie theory in 1938 as part of his broader work on
social structure and deviance. He argued that every society sets culturally approved
goals, such as wealth, success, and social status. However, not all individuals have
equal access to the legitimate means necessary to achieve these goals, such as
education and employment. When there is a disconnect between cultural goals and
the available means, individuals experience strain, which may lead to deviant
behavior.
2. The Social Structure and Anomie
Merton explained that societies, particularly capitalist ones, emphasize economic
success as a primary goal. However, not everyone has equal opportunities to
achieve success through socially acceptable means. This disparity creates a
situation where individuals may resort to deviant behavior to attain their goals.
Merton identified five modes of individual adaptation to this strain:
a) Conformity (Non-Deviant)
Individuals accept both the cultural goals and the institutionalized means to
achieve them.
Example: A person who works hard, gets an education, and follows legal
ways to achieve success.
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 (506251) -
DUE 18 March 2025
100% GUARANTEEED
, CMY3701 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2025 (506251) - DUE
18 March 2025
SECTION A 1.1. Present a detailed discussion of
Merton’s (1938) anomie theory. (15)
Merton’s (1938) anomie theory, also known as Strain Theory, provides a
sociological explanation for deviant behavior, particularly crime, by examining the
relationship between cultural goals and the institutional means available to achieve
them. This theory builds upon Émile Durkheim’s concept of anomie, which refers
to a state of normlessness or a breakdown of social norms due to rapid social
change.
1. Background and Key Concepts
Robert K. Merton developed anomie theory in 1938 as part of his broader work on
social structure and deviance. He argued that every society sets culturally approved
goals, such as wealth, success, and social status. However, not all individuals have
equal access to the legitimate means necessary to achieve these goals, such as
education and employment. When there is a disconnect between cultural goals and
the available means, individuals experience strain, which may lead to deviant
behavior.
2. The Social Structure and Anomie
Merton explained that societies, particularly capitalist ones, emphasize economic
success as a primary goal. However, not everyone has equal opportunities to
achieve success through socially acceptable means. This disparity creates a
situation where individuals may resort to deviant behavior to attain their goals.
Merton identified five modes of individual adaptation to this strain:
a) Conformity (Non-Deviant)
Individuals accept both the cultural goals and the institutionalized means to
achieve them.
Example: A person who works hard, gets an education, and follows legal
ways to achieve success.
