CC100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Recreational Drug Use, Child Abuse, Subculture
Document Summary
Chapter 7: theories of crime causation (3 branches of social structure: social disorganization theory, strain theory, and cultural deviance theory) Strain theory: society puts pressure on individuals to achieve socially accepted goals though they lack the means; this leads to strain, which may lead the individuals to commit crimes. This shift in traditions and values creates turmoil and established norms begin to erode and lose meaning, a theme also used in disorganization theory. Merton found that two elements of culture interact to produce potentially anomic conditions: culturally defines goals and socially approved means for obtaining them. (page 215) Some people innovate by stealing or extorting money, others retreat into drugs and alcohol, rebel by joining revolutionary groups, or get involved in ritualistic behaviour by joining a religious cult. Critics have also suggested that people pursue numerous different goals, including educational, athletic, and social success.
