Assignment:
Answer the following questions:
1. Discuss Merton's concept of anomie the disjunction of cultural goals, institutionalized means, and the actual distribution of opportunities (e.g., disjunction of cultural goals, institutionalized means, and the actual distribution of opportunities (e.g., educational, economic) to achieve the cultural goals. What is the most important cultural goal according to Merton? Define and discuss the five individual adaptations to anomie Merton identifies.
2. Define and discuss Hagedorn's ideal types of "homeboys, dope fiends, legits, and new jacks" (p. 57). Pay particular attention to how each of these types represents Merton's five adaptations to anomie. How does Hagedorn update Merton's theory with the addition of racial discrimination as obstacle to goal achievement?
3. In his general strain theory, Agnew extends Merton's anomie to factors influencing community deviance. Identify and discuss any five of the factors increasing the likelihood of a criminal response (pp. 81-84).
Reading Assignment
Functionalism, Anomie, General Strain Theory Introduction, Tammy L. Anderson. /
1. Social Structure and Anomie, Robert Merton /
2. Homeboys, New Jacks, and Anomie, John M. Hagedorn /
3. A General Strain Theory of Community Differences in Crime Rates, Robert Agnew/
4. Connections: Understanding Doping in Elite Sports through Anomie and General Strain Perspectives, Tammy L. Anderson, Critical Thinking Questions /
Deliverable Length: 2 to 3 pages