Durkheim and Merton's Criminology

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that both Robert Merton and Emile Durkheim regarded the concept of anomie as a central aspect of modern societies. The writer points out ,that in their view, anomie is a theoretical aspect which affects the rates and incidence of social deviance and criminal behavior in modern society. There are, however, differences between the two theorists. The writer notes that Durkheim sees anomie as arising mainly from radical changes in society; whereas Merton sees this situation arising from class and social stratification issues. This paper outlines these two theoretical stances in order to ascertain the degree to which these two theories see society and not the individual per se, as being the cause of criminal activities.

Outline:
Introduction
Durkheim and Anomie
Merton and Anomie
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In other words, Durkheim's interpretation of an imbalance in regulation means that the 'appetites' and desires of the individual in the society are unrestrained. In terms of his theory this creates a situation in which there exists a disparity between the objectives that are seen to be attainable and the means available to attain these objectives. There is therefore often a disparity between means and ends and this also creates a tension which allegedly increases criminal patterns. Therefore we could say that Durkheim saw that causes of crime as deriving from both personal and social causes, but mainly as a result of social and cultural forces and variables."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Deviance and Social Control. [Online] Available at: http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache:_H3h_VLu1H4J:www.sociology.org.uk/devs1.doc+Durkheim%27s+anomie+theory+of+suicide+and+Japan&hl=en [ May 10, 2006]
• Robert Merton: Anomie Theory. [Online] Available at: http://www.d.umn.edu/~bmork/2306/Theories/BAManomie.htm [ May 10, 2006]
• Stack, Steven. 1997. A Comparative Analysis of the Effect of Domestic Institutions on Suicide Ideology;, Journal of Comparative Family Studies, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 304+.
• The Durkheim and Merton Page. . [Online] Available at: http://www.mdx.ac.uk/WWW/STUDY/ydurmer.htm. [May 9. 2006]

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