Introduction
Anomie/Strain Theory is a specific theory that can explain deviant human behavior and the role of social norms and rules in its forming. This theory was first proposed by Emile Durkheim and then developed by Robert K. Merton. It suggests that people usually attempt to fulfill their desires and address socially accepted goals, still their efforts may be obstructed by societal limitations, provoking further deviance (Rodas et al., 2020). According to the Anomie/Strain Theory, when trying to follow norms, people can experience a strong feeling of dissatisfaction and strain, which can lead to negative consequences.
Anomie and Strain
The current variant of the Anomie/Strain Theory is focused on the concepts of anomie and strain. Anomie, in this theory, means the state of lacking rules and norms in a person’s behavior. The inability to achieve socially and culturally accepted goals leads people to reject rules they should follow, causing a feeling of dissatisfaction and giving them the right to do whatever they want.
In this context, strain represents the consequences of people’s attempts to reach their goals in anomie conditions. Individuals can experience pressure, dissatisfaction, and stress, leading to deviant behavior or criminal acts (Atkinson & Ayres, 2022). This phenomenon can be expressed in a contradiction between social expectations and individual goals.
Anomie/Strain in Schools
For example, cases representing the details of Anomie/Strain Theory can be observed at school. It can be very stressful for some students to follow the rules and address families’, educators’, and peers’ expectations and set norms. Sometimes, they ignore rules and demonstrate rebellion to decrease the pressure associated with unrealized goals and expectations. Their deviance and the feelings of dissatisfaction and anxiety experienced in this case can be explained by Anomie/Strain Theory.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Anomie/Strain Theory allows us to understand human behavior and its relationship to societal norms. This theory suggests that people usually try to reach culturally determined goals, but their efforts can be hindered by the constraints they face. When barriers are present, people can experience pressure and stress, which can lead to deviance and other negative consequences.
References
Atkinson, R., & Ayres, T. (Eds.). (2022). Shades of deviance: A primer on crime, deviance and social harm. Taylor & Francis.
Rodas, A., Simpson, M., Rawlinson, P., Kramer, R., Ryan, E., Walters, R., Taylor, E., Beckley, A., Gore, A., Cunneen, C., Porter, A., Poynting, S., & Russell, E. (2020). Crime, deviance and society: An introduction to sociological criminology. Cambridge University Press.