Robert Merton’s concept of anomie

Robert Merton’s concept of anomie

Robert Merton was an American sociologist who developed a theory of anomie in the mid-20th century. Anomie is a state of normlessness, or a lack of clear social norms. Merton argued that anomie can lead to deviant behavior, such as crime and delinquency.

Merton identified five types of anomie:

• Culturally induced anomie: This occurs when there is a gap between the cultural goals of a society and the institutionalized means of achieving those goals.
• Structural anomie: This occurs when the social structure of a society makes it difficult for people to achieve the cultural goals.
• Individual anomie: This occurs when an individual is unable to achieve the cultural goals because of personal factors, such as lack of ability or motivation.
• Depressive anomie: This occurs when a society experiences a period of economic decline, which leads to a decrease in the availability of legitimate means of achieving the cultural goals.
• Reactive anomie: This occurs when a society experiences a period of rapid social change, which leads to a breakdown of traditional norms and values.

Recent media story that applies

A recent media story that applies to Merton’s concept of anomie is the story of the college admissions scandal. In this scandal, wealthy parents were accused of bribing college officials to get their children admitted to elite colleges. This scandal is an example of cultural anomie because it shows how the cultural goal of getting into an elite college has become so important that some people are willing to break the law to achieve it.

The college admissions scandal is also an example of structural anomie because it shows how the social structure of the college admissions process makes it difficult for some people to get into elite colleges, even if they are qualified. The college admissions process is highly competitive, and it is often based on factors that are beyond the control of individual students, such as their parents’ wealth and connections.

The college admissions scandal is a serious example of anomie, and it shows how anomie can lead to deviant behavior. The scandal also raises questions about the role of money and privilege in the college admissions process.

Conclusion

Merton’s concept of anomie is a useful tool for understanding deviant behavior. Anomie can be caused by a variety of factors, including the gap between cultural goals and institutionalized means, the social structure of a society, and personal factors. Anomie can lead to a variety of deviant behaviors, including crime and delinquency.