Social Strain Typology Robert Mertons Deviance Typology Learning

Social Strain Typology Robert Merton’s Deviance Typology

Learning Goals 1) Gain a better understanding on the concept of deviance 2) Be introduced the Social Strain Typology and the different types of deviance

Minds On: What is Deviance? https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=c 1 J 8 ZA 8_plw

Deviance Definition: Behaviour that violates the standards of conduct or expectations of a group or society

Is deviance bad or good? Tell me your opinions.

Deviance ¡When not aimed at criminal activity, deviant behaviour can be a major catalyst for social change. ¡Ex. civil rights activism, feminism, LGBTQ+ activism

Deviance: - Naturally occurring element of society - Social norms create pressure to work within a structure or break from mainstream culture - People often break from social norms to seek achievement or express individuality

What is Typology? Take the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator

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Typology Definition: a system of classification designed for understanding types

Typology + Deviance = …

Robert Merton’s Social Strain Typology - Believed that social structures and institutions have a beneficial role to play in social progress and social stability - He studied the relationships between deviance and society - When individual’s decide to break from society to seek alternative systems, they may be driven to participate in subcultures. - Merton was interested in the individual’s motivation to adhere to and accept society’s norms and cultural goals - He also studied the behaviour and actions necessary for the individual to attain his or her personal goals

Deviance Typology - Merton created a system to classify the cultural goals common in a group and the institutionalized/acceptable means by which to reach these goals - The degree to which an individual accomplished society’s cultural goals places them in five different types of deviance * Deviance means ways to envision the same outcome but through divergent means*

1) Conformists Definition: Conformists accept the cultural goals of their society as well as the means by which to attain those goals. They will always abide by the rules set by the society. *Pairs- Think of an example*

2) Ritualists Definition: Ritualists accept the means and standards necessary to achieve the end goals but may not accept the cultural goals of society. They are likely to reject them. Ritualists will work for a specific lifestyle but may not strive to be a leader in their field and rejects the cultural goals pertaining to wealth and social status. *pairs- think of an example*

3) Innovators Definition: The goals of innovators are in line with those of society but they fulfill these goals through alternative means. Their “vision” of how to reach these goals are different. Innovators have the ability to establish new modes of behaviour and standards within a field which eventually become dominate as a result of their ideas/methods. *pairs- think of an example + benefits and problems*

4) Retreatists Definitions: Retreatists disengage from mainstream culture completely. They do not agree with common cultural goals and prefer to live among like-minded people. Retreatists do not feel connected to rules that govern success, achievement, and status in society. Disenfranchised by society, they do not feel represented in social/cultural goals of the group. *pairs- think of an example + the benefits and problems*

5) Rebels Definition: Rebels openly reject the cultural goals of their society as well as the means to attain such goals. They attempt to change society by social, political, or economic reforms. Rebels seek to transform their world by challenging and recreating cultural norms and goals. In some cases, rebellion becomes violent, leads to revolution, and complete reorganization of a social institution or society. *Pairs- think of an example + benefits and issues*

Subcultures Definition: an alternative system of values and beliefs that goes against the mainstream cultural and social beliefs that are prevalent in a society.