The Strain Theory

Functionalism is the study in sociology that states groups or parts in society all have a role and when working properly together, contribute to the success of society. Deviance is the action of violating norms. For example, a person who deals drugs for a living is deviant to society. Dealing drugs is not a norm in our society. Functionalists study deviance through the strain theory.

The strain theory is a theory created by sociologist Robert Merton (1956,1968). Strain is the stress put on oneself from striving for success, but not being able to access it. The strain theory uses two moral standards. The first is cultural goals, which is the need for cultural success measured by wealth or status. The second is institutionalized means, the necessary steps to reach ones cultural goals. For illustration, in order for one to become an engineer or a different career that makes good money (cultural goals) they need to attend a prestigious college (institutionalized means) and complete the degree necessary.

The strain theory states that conformity is the norm, one that accepts cultural goals and institutionalized means. Strain theory maintains that there are four types of deviant paths: innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion.

Innovation is a person who accepts cultural goals but rejects institutionalized means. In other words they have cultural goals the want to be successful, make good money, and have prestige; however, they do not have the drive to undergo the institutionalized means. This includes attending college or completing specific courses. They use deviant ways of obtaining wealth such as, dealing drugs and steeling goods and money.

Ritualism is a person who rejects cultural goals but accepts institutionalized means. Someone who attends college because they know it’s the “right thing to do”, not to better themselves. They get a job because they feel its right, but have no motivation to do well. They follow the guidelines and do everything right, but lack excitement and desire to work hard to better society. They lack passion for their career.

Retreatism is a person who rejects cultural goals and institutionalized means. This is a person who has no aspiration to attend college or get a job. This type of person is probably someone who lives in his or her parent’s basement their entire life or may even be homeless. They use drugs to free their mind of remorse and guilt caused by their withdrawal from society.

Rebellion is a person who rejects and replaces cultural goals and rejects and replaces institutionalized means. Rebellion is someone who disagrees with societies cultural goals and institutionalized means of achieving them. They want to create different cultural goals and different institutionalized means. They think society is deviant and that they are the conformity.