Robert K. Merton's Strain Theory

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The significance of the theory
The theory guides individuals to acknowledge the cultural and social structures as these norms are essential in creating a balance between social means and cultural goals (Stults, Brian & Eric, 2008). Anomie rises from a state of chaos and when societal values and norms are not accepted. The theory was written to American citizens who were in search for the American dream, however, in the effort to achieve that, many people lack the resources and capabilities to compete equally (Stults, Brian & Eric, 2008). Due to this imbalance, many struggles to get desirable possessions, like money, a strain is created. Individuals must adjust to find alternative means. Such adjustment includes:
• Conformity- This one agrees …show more content…

Merton's strain theory, the ‘American Dream’ encouraged individuals to attain success. The aim to achieve seems probable as the American society presents an equal opportunity for everyone regardless of class, gender or ethnicity (Stults, Brian & Eric, 2008). In the American Dream the more material and wealth one possesses more successful they are considered. Merton argues that the goals are unachievable because the success factors are not equally distributed (Stults, Brian & Eric, 2008). This leads to strain that pushes people to indulge in social crimes. For instance, individuals get involved in selling drugs to get …show more content…

This statement is not always found to be true. Several people within the lower socio-economic status have achieved what is coined the 'American dream.' The primary disadvantage of this theory is that it was tested on a sample size selected from only the US, raising a concern on the viability of the approach to explain Juvenile deviance outside of America (Froggio, 2007). Up to now, few applications of the argument have been made on non-western cultures.
Merton himself stated the weakness of the theory is saying that the fundamental sources of deviant behavior remain but a prelude (Froggio, 2007). The theory fails to include a detailed description of the social structure aspects that incline to one direction rather than different responses that individuals should explore in the imbalanced social structure (Merton, 1938). The theory also failed to address the psychological process that determines the answer to specific

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