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strength: realistic reflection of world

weakness: assumes commitment to materialistic goals

only focuses on lower class

ignore spontaneous crime

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16y ago
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2w ago

Strengths of Merton's strain theory include its focus on societal structures and how they influence individual behavior, as well as its ability to explain why people might turn to deviant behavior when they are unable to achieve societal goals through legitimate means. Weaknesses include overlooking individual variations in response to strain and not accounting for other factors that may contribute to deviant behavior, such as psychological or biological factors.

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Q: What are the strengths and weaknesses of Merton's strain theory?
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What are the strengths and weaknesses to post modernist social theory?

Strengths of postmodernist social theory include its focus on diversity and difference, challenging traditional power structures, and highlighting marginalized voices. Weaknesses may include a tendency towards relativism that can undermine claims to social justice, as well as criticisms of being overly abstract and disconnected from practical solutions.


What is Structural Strain Theory?

Structural Strain Theory is a sociological theory that suggests individuals may engage in deviant behavior when they experience strain due to their position in society. This strain can result from an individual's inability to achieve socially accepted goals through legitimate means. The theory argues that deviance is a response to the structural constraints and opportunities present in society.


What are the strenghts and weakness of conflict theory?

Strengths of conflict theory include its emphasis on power dynamics, inequality, and social change. It helps to reveal underlying sources of tension and conflict in society. However, weaknesses include its focus on conflict at the expense of cooperation and consensus, and its tendency to oversimplify complex social issues.


What are the basic concepts of strain theory?

Strain theory suggests that individuals experience strain when they are unable to achieve socially accepted goals through legitimate means. This strain can lead to deviant behavior as individuals seek alternative ways to attain these goals. Factors such as societal pressure, lack of opportunities, and discrepancies between aspirations and reality contribute to this strain.


What are the strengths and weaknesses of social identity theory?

Strengths - helps to explain how individuals derive their sense of belonging and identity from group memberships, highlights the role of social categorization in influencing behaviors and attitudes, provides insights into intergroup relations and conflict. Weaknesses - oversimplifies the diversity and complexity of individual identities, may lead to stereotyping and discrimination based on group membership, does not fully account for the role of individual differences and unique experiences in shaping identity.

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What are the weaknesses of merton's strain theory?

Some weaknesses of Merton's strain theory include its focus on lower-class crime and its assumption that all individuals strive for the same cultural goals. It also overlooks the role of individual choice and agency in criminal behavior and fails to adequately explain why only some individuals under strain turn to crime.


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