Anomie/ Strain Theory

American Sociologist Robert Merton created an idea that explains criminal and abnormal behavior in the USA.

His main argument is, crime usually happens when there is a breach between cultural objectives of a society examples like; material, wealth, status etc

An example of this is, Anomie theory exemplifies how individuals who suffer from poverty aren't exposed to services of health care, screenings, checkup, etc.

The reason is due to many individuals in poverty suffer from Anomie itself. Leading them to be more prone to addiction, depression and suicide.

This leads to individuals being barred from their personal characteristics and cannot uphold within the social structures and exploring illegal standards of life.

Sociological description of the causes of abnormal behavior

Emile Durkheim, who analyzed the disruption of social norms most of the time connects with rapid change

In conclusion, the anomie / strain theory represents that cultural principles and social structures can create pressure towards society on certain people to enact crime.