Robert Merton asserts that the type of deviance people engage in depends on __________.A.their upbringing and family structureB.the perceived role of conflict, or strains, in their lifeC.their exposure to stressful life conditionsD.whether society provides them with means to achieve cultural goals
Question
Robert Merton asserts that the type of deviance people engage in depends on __________.A.their upbringing and family structureB.the perceived role of conflict, or strains, in their lifeC.their exposure to stressful life conditionsD.whether society provides them with means to achieve cultural goals
Solution
Sure, let's break down the question and the possible answers step by step to determine the correct response.
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Understanding the Question:
- The question is about Robert Merton's assertion regarding the type of deviance people engage in.
- We need to identify what Merton believes influences the type of deviance.
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Reviewing Robert Merton's Theory:
- Robert Merton is known for his Strain Theory in sociology.
- Strain Theory posits that society puts pressure on individuals to achieve socially accepted goals (like wealth or success), but not everyone has the means to achieve these goals.
- This discrepancy between goals and means can lead to deviance.
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Analyzing the Options:
- A. Their upbringing and family structure:
- While upbringing and family structure can influence behavior, Merton's theory specifically focuses on societal structures rather than individual family dynamics.
- B. The perceived role of conflict, or strains, in their life:
- This option is closer but still not specific enough. Merton's theory is about the societal strain between goals and means.
- C. Their exposure to stressful life conditions:
- Stressful life conditions can contribute to deviance, but Merton's theory is more about societal expectations and the means to achieve them.
- D. Whether society provides them with means to achieve cultural goals:
- This option directly aligns with Merton's Strain Theory. He argues that deviance occurs when there is a gap between cultural goals and the means available to achieve them.
- A. Their upbringing and family structure:
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Conclusion:
- Based on Merton's Strain Theory, the correct answer is:
- D. Whether society provides them with means to achieve cultural goals.
- Based on Merton's Strain Theory, the correct answer is:
This option accurately reflects Merton's assertion that the type of deviance people engage in depends on the availability of legitimate means to achieve societal goals.
Similar Questions
Robert Merton’s structural strain theory sees deviance as the result of a person’s position in a social structure. What do you think Jack Katz, author of Seductions of Crime, would say about structural strain theory?Group of answer choicesMerton’s analysis fails because it does not understand that some people will reject both mainstream cultural goals and the institutionalized means to achieve them.Merton’s analysis was correct in that background factors are almost always the most effective way to predict who will commit deviant acts.A focus on social position fails to consider the emotional appeal that a deviant act has for an individual.Merton needs to look at a broader range of background factors, including age and sexuality.
What has most of the sociological literature on deviance traditionally focused on?Group of answer choicescrimemental illnessthe extremely wealthythe emotional appeal of deviant acts
Robert Merton developed structural strain theory to explain why deviance occurs. What is the cause of the strain suggested by the name of the theory?Group of answer choicesstrain between deviant and nondeviant citizensstrain between social norms that are codified in laws and those that are notstrain between different value systems within a societystrain between socially approved goals and the means of achieving them
Which of the following statements is true of the postmodernist perspective on deviance?Group of answer choicesIt posits that social institutions categorize deviants into subgroups and control them through specific patterns of discipline.It is centered on the assumption that deviant behavior is innate and cannot be acquired.It is centered on the assumption that deviant behavior is minimized when people have strong social bonds.It posits that a certain amount of deviance is necessary as it contributes to the smooth functioning of society.
According to the social-conflict approach, deviance is __________.A.highly variableB.universalC.socially constructedD.shaped by power
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