Clearly Discuss How Messner and Rosenfeld Build on and Extend

Question

Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Merton's anomie theory, also known as strain theory, suggests that individuals experience strain or pressure when they are unable to achieve culturally defined goals through legitimate means. This strain can lead to deviant behavior as individuals seek alternative ways to achieve success. Messner and Rosenfeld built on and extended Merton's theory with their institutional-anomie theory by focusing on the role of institutions in creating and maintaining social inequality and deviance.

In their institutional-anomie theory, Messner and Rosenfeld argue that American society is characterized by a dominant cultural emphasis on economic success and material wealth, which is supported and reinforced by the institutional structure. They identify four major institutions - economy, government, family, and education - as the primary sources of social values and norms. According to their theory, when the economy becomes the dominant institution, it leads to a weakening of social control and an increase in deviant behavior.

Messner and Rosenfeld suggest that the imbalance of power and influence among these institutions creates an environment conducive to deviance. For example, when the economy becomes the dominant institution, it can lead to a lack of regulation and oversight, allowing for corporate crime and white-collar crime to flourish. This institutional imbalance also leads to a lack of investment in social welfare programs and support for disadvantaged communities, further exacerbating social inequality and strain.

Overall, Messner and Rosenfeld's institutional-anomie theory builds on and extends Merton's anomie theory by emphasizing the role of institutions in shaping cultural values and norms, and how the imbalance of power among these institutions can contribute to deviant behavior. Their theory provides a more comprehensive understanding of the structural factors that contribute to strain and deviance in society.

Clearly Discuss How Messner and Rosenfeld Build on and Extend

Essay

Correct Answer:
Answered by ExamLex AI

Clearly Discuss How Messner and Rosenfeld Build on and Extend

Essay

Correct Answer:Answered by ExamLex AIShow Answer

Correct Answer:
Answered by ExamLex AI