CMY3701
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
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).
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
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).
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
