Criminological Theory (Soc 8300)
Criminological Theory (Soc 8300)
Assignment #2
Anomie/Strain Theories
Assignment Questions:
1. What did Robert Merton (1938) argue was the primary cause of crime in American society? How has his theory been criticized?
2. How does Agnew’s “general strain theory” address the criticisms of Merton’s theory?
3. According to Messner and Rosenfeld, what is the “American dream?” Why do they think that the American dream criminogenic? How do “institutions” play a role in this theory?
Things to think about:
1. Pay attention to how Messner and Rosenfeld classify sociological theories of crime, and their discussion of the criticisms of Merton’s theory.
2. What are the two tracks to high crime rates in Messner and Rosenfeld’s theory?
3. Merton (1938) essentially produces two separate theories—a macro level theory and a micro level theory. Identify each of these theories.
4. What are the policy implications from the theories of Merton, Messner and Rosenfeld, and Agnew?
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