7.4 Modern Theories of Deviance
Jennifer Puentes; Matthew Gougherty; and Alexandra Olsen
In response to the historical theories of deviance, new theories emerged that critiqued or expanded upon them to address shortfalls in their explanations. At the end of this section, figure 7.6 summarizes these key theories.
Robert Merton’s Functionalist Strain Theory: Rethinking Durkheim
Sociologist Robert Merton agreed that deviance is an inherent part of a functioning society, but he expanded on Durkheim’s ideas by developing strain theory, which notes that access to socially acceptable goals plays a part in determining whether a person conforms or deviates. Merton defined five ways people respond to the gap between having a socially accepted goal and having no socially accepted way to pursue it. To understand the five ways people respond, we’ll look at the somewhat exaggerated example of the American Dream: the idea that to be successful, you should own a house, a car, and have a happy and functional family.
- Conformity: People who conform choose not to deviate. They pursue their goals to the extent that they can through socially accepted means.
Example: “I may not be able to afford to buy a house in my lifetime, but I have a working car, a loving partner, and a cute dog. I’m content with the lot I’ve been given in life.” - Innovation: People who innovate pursue goals they cannot reach through legitimate means by instead using criminal or deviant means.
Example: “I grew up in a neighborhood that didn’t have good schools, and I never had an opportunity to get ahead. I want a house, a nice car, and to take care of my family, but the only way I can see myself doing that is by continuing to sell cocaine and counterfeit goods.” - Ritualism: People who ritualize lower their goals until they can reach them through socially acceptable ways. These members of society focus on conformity rather than attaining a distant dream.
Example: “I’m never going to be able to afford a nice home and car, but I don’t need those things anyway! I like the apartment I rent, and my cat’s the only other form of life I want to be responsible for. Why not just love the things that I do have?” - Retreatism: People who retreat reject society’s goals and means.
Example: “Why would I even participate in society at all? The deck is stacked against me. I know I’m only 20, but (illegally) hopping on trains and traveling around the country with my friends is where it’s at! ” - Rebellion: People who rebel and replace a society’s goals and means with their own. Terrorists or freedom fighters look to overthrow a society’s goals through socially unacceptable means.
Example: “I’m gonna overthrow the government, that’s what I’m going to do! The system is unjust, and it’s not one that’s designed for how humans really are!”
William Julius Wilson and Conflict Theory: Rethinking the Role of Neighborhoods
William Julius Wilson refined ideas in social disorganization theory to explain why people in pover