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Merton-s typology of deviance

Merton-s typology of deviance

In society, the determining factors of deviance vary. This variance stems from the application of different deviant behavior theories. These theories might be; biological, implying that deviant behavior roots from the biology of an individual; sociological, denoting that deviant behavior roots from pressures in society; and psychological, suggesting that deviant behavior roots from the psychology of the individual with deviant behavior. Robert K. Merton developed the social strain theory stating that deviant behavior, such as criminal activities, originates from societies’ pressures and structures (Cassella, 2020).

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Robert K. Merton’s typology is based on two perspectives; the cultural objectives that drive an individual and the individual’s objective and methods of accomplishment. Subsequently, several deviants from these perspectives include innovators, conformists, retreatists, rebels, and ritualists (Cassella, 2020). The innovator accepts cultural objectives but rejects the method of realizing the goal (Cassella, 2020). Excellent examples are Bonnie and Clyde, who robbed banks to obtain wealth in the 1930s. The conformists accept cultural objectives and methods of realizing them set by society. An excellent example is Martha Teressa, who helped people, by illustrating charity. The retreatist rejects both the cultural objectives and methods of realizing them set by the society (Heckert & Heckert, 2002). An example is drug use as a means of obtaining satisfaction.

The rebel rejects the cultural objectives and methods of realizing them set by society but creates new goals and ways to achieve them (Heckert & Heckert, 2002). An example includes the people who fought against and ended slavery, which had become part of societies in the past, revolutionizing politics and economics. The ritualist rejects cultural objectives but accepts the methods of realizing them set by the community (Cassella, 2020). An example involves people working hard in an organization despite the low wages that do not satisfy their needs. To conclude, varying deviant behavior can be interpreted using Merton’s typology of deviance.

References

Cassella, K. (2020). Social Work and Deviant Behavior. Eastern Gateway Community College.

Heckert, A., & Heckert, D. (2002). a new typology of deviance: integrating normative and reactivist definitions of deviance. Deviant Behavior, 23(5), 449-479. https://doi.org/10.1080/016396202320265319

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Question 


Merton-s typology of deviance

Apply Merton’s typology of deviance to the real world and give examples for each type.

Video:

Read chapter 2 of the attached textbook.

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