The question (15 marks)
Compare Durkheim's conception of anomie with Merton's strain theory, and state the five modes of adaptation with their typical offences. (15 marks)
MU Module II, anomie and strain; chapter on the social causes of criminal behaviour, and the studies of Durkheim and Merton.
Plan your answer on paper before you look at the authorities — issue first, then the rule, then apply it to these facts.
It tests Unit 2 · The Causes of Criminal Behaviour, and the Classification of Criminals of Criminology and Penology.
Authorities you will need
- Durkheim, on mechanical and organic societies, the normality of crime, and the regulation of desire
- Merton
- Messner and Rosenfeld
- The criticism that Durkheim built on suicide rates rather than crime rates
How an answer is marked
A full-marks answer names the issue in one line, states the rule with its section, cites the authority, applies it to these facts and concludes — in that order. The app's model answer for this question is written in exactly that shape, with a checklist to mark your own attempt against.