CMY3701
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number: 506251
Due Date: 18 March 2025
SECTION A
1.1. Merton’s (1938) anomie theory
Robert K. Merton’s anomie theory is a significant sociological explanation for deviant
behavior and crime. Rooted in Émile Durkheim’s original concept of anomie, which refers
to a state of normlessness in society, Merton expanded on this idea by focusing on the
imbalance between cultural goals and the legitimate means available to achieve them. His
theory, often classified as a strain theory, suggests that crime arises when individuals
experience strain due to their inability to achieve socially approved success through
legitimate means. Merton’s theory has been widely applied to different societies and
economic conditions, including financial crimes, organized crime, and lower-class
criminality (Shoemaker, 2000:93).
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
INTRODUCTION
Crime and deviant behavior have long been analyzed through sociological theories
that explain the motivations behind unlawful actions. One such theory is Robert
Merton’s (1938) anomie theory, which provides insight into how societal structures
contribute to criminal behavior. Merton’s theory suggests that individuals experience
strain when there is a disjunction between socially approved goals and the legitimate
means available to achieve them, leading some to engage in deviant acts.
The case of Markus Jooste and the Steinhoff accounting scandal offers a compelling
application of Merton’s theory. Jooste, as a former CEO, was involved in
misrepresenting financial statements to maintain corporate success, ultimately
leading to devastating consequences for investors. His actions align with Merton’s
idea of innovation, where individuals resort to illegitimate means to achieve financial
success.
This assignment will discuss Merton’s anomie theory, its application to the case
study, and its relevance to understanding corporate fraud. Additionally, it will explore
the concept of social order and its policy implications in regulating financial
misconduct.
SECTION A
1.1. Merton’s (1938) anomie theory
Robert K. Merton’s anomie theory is a significant sociological explanation for deviant
behavior and crime. Rooted in Émile Durkheim’s original concept of anomie, which
refers to a state of normlessness in society, Merton expanded on this idea by
focusing on the imbalance between cultural goals and the legitimate means available
to achieve them. His theory, often classified as a strain theory, suggests that crime
arises when individuals experience strain due to their inability to achieve socially
approved success through legitimate means. Merton’s theory has been widely
applied to different societies and economic conditions, including financial crimes,
organized crime, and lower-class criminality (Shoemaker, 2000:93).
The Link Between Anomie and Strain
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number: 506251
Due Date: 18 March 2025
SECTION A
1.1. Merton’s (1938) anomie theory
Robert K. Merton’s anomie theory is a significant sociological explanation for deviant
behavior and crime. Rooted in Émile Durkheim’s original concept of anomie, which refers
to a state of normlessness in society, Merton expanded on this idea by focusing on the
imbalance between cultural goals and the legitimate means available to achieve them. His
theory, often classified as a strain theory, suggests that crime arises when individuals
experience strain due to their inability to achieve socially approved success through
legitimate means. Merton’s theory has been widely applied to different societies and
economic conditions, including financial crimes, organized crime, and lower-class
criminality (Shoemaker, 2000:93).
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
INTRODUCTION
Crime and deviant behavior have long been analyzed through sociological theories
that explain the motivations behind unlawful actions. One such theory is Robert
Merton’s (1938) anomie theory, which provides insight into how societal structures
contribute to criminal behavior. Merton’s theory suggests that individuals experience
strain when there is a disjunction between socially approved goals and the legitimate
means available to achieve them, leading some to engage in deviant acts.
The case of Markus Jooste and the Steinhoff accounting scandal offers a compelling
application of Merton’s theory. Jooste, as a former CEO, was involved in
misrepresenting financial statements to maintain corporate success, ultimately
leading to devastating consequences for investors. His actions align with Merton’s
idea of innovation, where individuals resort to illegitimate means to achieve financial
success.
This assignment will discuss Merton’s anomie theory, its application to the case
study, and its relevance to understanding corporate fraud. Additionally, it will explore
the concept of social order and its policy implications in regulating financial
misconduct.
SECTION A
1.1. Merton’s (1938) anomie theory
Robert K. Merton’s anomie theory is a significant sociological explanation for deviant
behavior and crime. Rooted in Émile Durkheim’s original concept of anomie, which
refers to a state of normlessness in society, Merton expanded on this idea by
focusing on the imbalance between cultural goals and the legitimate means available
to achieve them. His theory, often classified as a strain theory, suggests that crime
arises when individuals experience strain due to their inability to achieve socially
approved success through legitimate means. Merton’s theory has been widely
applied to different societies and economic conditions, including financial crimes,
organized crime, and lower-class criminality (Shoemaker, 2000:93).
The Link Between Anomie and Strain
