Merton proposed Strain Theory to help us see deviance as not an individual action, but as the result of the relationship between socially approved cultural goals and institutionalized legitimate means.
Here is a video to refresh your understating of Strain Theory.
Merton’s Strain Theory (Links to an external site.)
For your observation, choose a deviant act in society and discuss which of the categories of Merton’s deviance it fits into. In your answer, explain why and include the conformist cultural goal and institutional means and why this act deviates from that norm.
You may not use robbery or homelessness as deviant acts.Strain Theory
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Applied Merton’s TheoryStudent applied Strain Theory to accurately categorize a deviant act. |
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15 pts |
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Goals and MeansIncluded in the analysis the concepts of legitimate means and culturally approved goals. |
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8 pts |
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Grammar, Syntax, and Organization.The essay included standard and correct Grammar, Syntax, and Organization. |
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2 pts |
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