Anomie Theory

The film City of God is based in the slums of Brazil , also called “favelas” where crime and delinquency dominate the neighborhood. The main characters of the film exhibit deviant behaviors in which different theories can be applied to explain their actions. The four theories best used to explain this behavior are concentric zone, social strain, differential association , and social bond theory. The group of characters come from a poor and crime infested neighborhood called the City of God. The characters of discussion are Lil’ Ze, Benny, Rocket, Knockout Ned, and Carrot which are the main players throughout the film. The types of criminal behavior conducted in the neighborhood are theft, murder, drug dealing, and rape. The Concentric zone

The social strain theory also known as Anomie theory was developed by Robert K. Merton, who stated that social structures mainly influence individuals to commit crimes. Anomie is a state of dissatisfaction illustrated by the possible discrepancies between culturally defined goals and the institutionalized means available to achieve these goals ( Thompson 148). Merton proposal was based on a person 's motivations to cultural goal, and a person 's belief in how to attain his goals. Merton observed that many internalize the culturally approved goal of “getting ahead” which means high social status and money. For example, in the film Lil’Ze is constantly seeking power and money throughout the film. He strives to be the most powerful criminal seeking wealth and fame. He becomes frustrated with his low-status and lack of opportunity and seeks another a way of poverty. Carrot, another character in the film is known to of obtained this goal of wealth and status in the City of God. Carrot is a drug dealer with nice clothes, jewelry and car. Lil’ Ze and Benny idealized his lifestyle and discuss how they start to deal drugs to achieve their goals. Merton discusses that some people , particularly those disadvantaged lower class unhappily realize that they will not be able to achieve those idealized goals through legitimate means. As a result, the resort to illegitimate means to reach

Travis Hirschi developed the social bonding theory that explains why some juveniles do not violate the law. The two characters whom exhibit this initial behavior are Rocket and Knockout Ned in the early stages of the film. The social bond according to Hirishi is established in early childhood through a natural attachment to parents, peers, teachers, and others who manifest and model the expected normal behaviors. As a result, if the social bond is firmly intact for an individual there will be no pattern of delinquent behavior. For instance, Rocket has a strong positive social bond with his family and peers which results in him not participating in delinquency. Knockout Ned is another example of a strong attachment to his parents and peers that allows him to stray away from a criminal path. Conversely, Hirshi states that if the social bond is weakened or absent, juvenile delinquency can be expected. Knockout Ned loses that strong social bond when he experiences the tragedy of losing his brother, uncle, and the rape of his girlfriend by Lil’Ze. This theory explains how Knockout Ned transitioned from normally acceptable behavior to becoming a delinquent. In response Knockout Ned turns to Carrots gang to seek revenge against Lil’ Ze. In relation Lil’ Ze experiences the death of his strongest social bond Benny whom balanced Lil’Ze and was his only social attachment. After losing Benny