Anomie is a Greek word meaning lawlessness. The theory of anomie was originally a sociological theory developed by Durkheim to explain how a break down in the institutions and regulations of society lead to deviance—lawlessness. This sociological concept was adopted by Merton and redeveloped as a criminological theory in American criminology. While both theorists recognized the notion that anomie was a source of conflict that resulted in general deviance in society, the tenants of their theories differed greatly.
In this essay, you are to briefly define Durkheim’s theory of anomie and then define Merton’s theory with enough depth to explain the differences. You must also define Merton’s five modes of adaptation that result in deviance, and explain how—through these modes of adaptation—Merton holds that conformity is deviance. Lastly, you are to provide contemporary examples of how anomie exists in society today that are consistent with at least three of the five modes of adaptation. In this essay you will answer six questions:
What is Durkheim’s theory of anomie?
What is Merton’s Theory of anomie?
How do the two differ?
What are Merton’s five modes of adaptation?
How does these explain that conformity is deviance?
What examples are there of anomie existing in society—examples that align with at least three modes of adaptation?