The Strain Theory By Robert Merton - 1200 Words

Each person at some point develops their own personal goals for their life. These goals can range anywhere from owning that perfect home with a white picket fence, becoming a famous artist or athlete, earning a degree and landing that dream job, or becoming a person of high social stature. These life goals can be a product of societal influences and expectations. However, what happens when these goals seem to be unachievable for a person? The strain theory that was developed by Robert Merton sheds light onto a possible answer for that question. The strain theory suggests that people put emphasis on achieving certain life goals or obtaining certain objects in their lives due to societal influences and pressures. When those goals or objects can’t be obtained stress is caused and it can influence more people to commit crimes. The strain theory separates people into four different paths when these goals can’t be achieved, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism, and Rebellion. As was mentioned before, each person has most likely created their own goals to achieve what they want out of their life. A common goal that many people share in modern times is to earn a college degree. Within earning a degree there are great opportunities that are envisioned. A college degree is said to earn people the career of their dreams, money, and a stable successful life. Society puts emphasis on the urgency to go to college. You can easily obtain a degree by staying in high school, getting decentShow MoreRelatedRobert Merton : Strain Theory1606 Words   |  7 Pages Robert Merton: Strain Theory Lashaya B. Jenae B. Raykyle H. Dominique W. Lidiya Y. Morgan State University Sociology 331-001 03/05/2015 Robert K. Merton developed the structural strain theory as an extension of the functionalist perspective on deviance. This theory traces the origins of deviance to the tensions that are caused by the gap between cultural goals and the means people have available to achieve those goals (CrossmanRead MoreRobert Merton Strain Theory Essay1017 Words   |  5 PagesIdentify the key aspects of Robert Merton’s ‘strain theory’. It was a powerful statement focussing on the social causes of crime but what were its limitations? This essay is going to demonstrate an understanding of Robert Merton’s strain theory, the advantages of the Strain theory and also the disadvantages of the theory. Robert Merton (1910) best known for developing theories of deviance. Robert Merton is considered to be one of the most influential social scientists. Merton’s work is highlyRead MoreRobert Merton s Strain Theory1299 Words   |  6 PagesI have selected Robert Merton’s Strain theory and Edwin Sutherlands Differential Association theory and their approach to the study of crime for my essay. Robert Merton developed the theory that people engage in deviant behaviour when they can’t achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means. Deviance is a result of the strain an individual feels when they cannot achieve legitimately. Merton uses â€Å"The American Dream† to illustrate strain theory. Merton’s explanation is in two pieces; StructuralRead MoreThe General Strain Theory By Robert Merton1352 Words   |  6 PagesGeneral Strain Theory-Susan Smith In 1995, a very heinous, mysterious crime was committed the murder of two innocent boys by their mother. This crime was thought to be completely unexplainable. This mother convinced America that a black man had stole her car and kidnapped her children. Little did we know this suicidal woman would be capable of committing such a crime. There are many theories that you can apply to this case. However the theory that fits it most closely is the general strain theory. TheRead MoreThe Strain Theory Was Formulated By Robert K. Merton1088 Words   |  5 Pagesshooting himself in the head. The theory that could most likely explain what happened beyond this act would be the strain theory. The strain theory was formulated by Robert K. Merton. Merton argued that â€Å"society may be set up in a way that encourages too much deviance† (Study.com). Merton also believed there was â€Å"a disjunction between socially approved means to success and legitimate cultural goals† (Study.com). Lanza corresponds into this particular theory because he had been a troubled personRead MoreRobert Merton Stain Theory1204 Words   |  5 PagesRobert Merton’s Anomie/Strain Theory James King Jr. Savannah State University Theories of Criminal Behavior Prof. W. Brooks March 4, 2012 Since the beginning of mankind criminality has been a major problem and the most debated topic of interest by theorist on the grounds of why crime is committed, who is more prone to commit crime, and what prevents people from committing delinquent acts. The formulation of the Stain theory and Anomie Theory by Robert Merton give insight on the many questionRead MoreThe Origin Of Criminal Behavior And / Or Deviant Behavior989 Words   |  4 PagesThere are numerous theories on how to explain the origin of criminal behavior and/or deviant behavior, one of those theories is called Strain Theory. Robert Merton was the sociologist that developed strain theory in 1949 (revised in 1968). Robert Merton based his theory on the fact that all people want to achieve the American dream of economic status. He believed that environmental factors caused a strain on a person’s ability to achieve the American dream of economic success and depending on whatRead MoreThe Strain Theory Of Criminal Behavior And Is A Breakdown Of Why People Commit Crimes1633 Words   |  7 PagesRunning Head: Strain Theory Stain Theory Keisha Harris Valdosta State University The strain theory explains the criminal behavior and is a breakdown of why people commit crimes. The theory was developed by an American Sociologist Robert K. Merton (1910-2003). Merton believed that the society influences deviance and plays a huge role in criminals committing crimes. Emile Durkheim (1858-1957) presented the earliest version of the strain theory. He believed that well-built societiesRead MoreCultural Differences Vs And Robert Mertons Strain Theory1433 Words   |  6 PagesThe strain theory analyses the extent to which people are able to pursue, access and achieve success. Strain theory says that those unable to achieve success experience strain which is a disconnect between desires and aspirations along with the means to achieve these variables. There are several responses and coping strategies that are connected to strain, one being crime. The cultural messages within strain are the goals and the means. There are two main theorist who explain strain, Robert MertonR ead MoreAnomie and General Strain Theories of Crime Essay1267 Words   |  6 PagesAnomie/Strain Theory Historical Background The theoretical framework of strain theory can be credited to sociologist Emile Durkheim. Durkheim research on formed a platform for other sociologist to further develop strain theories of crime. One of which is Robert Merton. One of Durkheim’s major works that opened the door to further research on strain theories was his book, Suicide. In this book Durkheim sough to understand the why led to one’s own self-destruction. Emile Durkheim studied suicide rates

Separation of Powers in the Uk Essay - 1464 Words

This essay will seek to analyse the doctrine of the separation of powers and the importance of its presence within a constitution. Particular emphasis will be placed on identifying how this idea is incorporated into the United Kingdom’s (UK) constitution and the effect that recent developments of constitutional reform such as the introduction of the UK Supreme Court in place of the House of Lords has had. The doctrine of the separation of powers is an idea that can be seen in writings as far back as the time of Aristotle. This concept states that any constitution relies on the ‘three pillars of state’ which are the executive, legislative and judiciary. Montesquieu formulated this concept in the eighteenth century and in ‘L’Esprit des†¦show more content†¦The courts also appear to exercise legislative functions along with their judicial roles through means of the common law. Judges for years have been creating and changing laws as they see fit and still to this day have the power to make binding precedents. However, the position of Lord Chancellor was regularly criticised as it held presence in all three of the ‘pillars of state’. It would appear from this that indeed the United Kingdom does not exercise the concept of separation of powers. In February 2004 the House of Lords introduced what was eventually to be The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 . This act looked to tackle two of the perceived main criticisms of the UK constitution namely the role of Lord Chancellor and to bring in a Supreme Court to take over the role of the appellate committee of the House of Lords in the judiciary as prior to this members of the House of Lords were members of both the legislature and the judiciary. The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom was thereby opened in 2009 however; it would appear questionable as to whether it has really brought around a separation of powers. If a logical approach is taken then this introduction of a new chamber has made a big change to the constitution as no longer would it be possible for law lords to sit in the judiciary and vote in parliament however, if we take an alternative view then the Supreme Court hasShow MoreRelatedEssay The Separation and Balance of Powers in the UK Constitution1225 Words   |  5 PagesThe Separation and Balance of Powers in the UK Constitution â€Å"By the latter part of the 20th century the independence of the judges had come under increasing threat from interference by the executive. Recent reforms have, however, served to redress this position and ensure that a proper division of personnel and functions between these two arms of the state is restored. Discuss this statement in the context of the Separation/ Balance of Powers in the UK constitutionRead MoreRule of Law and Separation of Powers745 Words   |  3 PagesWithout the separation of powers, neither of these principles would be realized. Governments perform three functions namely executive, judicial and legislative functions. The role of separation of powers involves the diffusion rather than concentration of powers within the state. Thus, these branches should be separate, unique and equal. The underlying principle of the separation of powers is that individuals have the potential to harm others, and this can become a reality when power is concentratedRead MoreThe Separation Of Powers Of The State And Its Powers912 Words   |  4 Pagesway in which the state is established. In short, it is a framework that explains the structure of the state and its powers. Unlike most modern states, Britain does not have a codified constitution but an unwritten one that exists in an abstract sense. It delineates the powers of the different branches of the state, and the restrictions placed on the institutions and on state power. It is comprised of various acts of Parliament, court judgements and conventions that have evolved ove r a long periodRead MoreEffects Of The Rule Of Law771 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction In the Following I will be explaining the effects on The Rule of Law in the UK if they are to withdraw from the EU Convention on human rights and repeals the human rights act 1998 and replaces both with the UK Bill of rights. I am going to give a brief overlook on what the impact on the rule of law in the UK will be. I am also going into depth as to whether or not sovereignty effective in the UK is effective and whether society should still be entitles to the vote. After an understandingRead MoreThe Relationship Between Modern Day Parliament And Government1485 Words   |  6 Pagesdoctrine of fusion of power and moved away from the doctrine of separation of powers. It has been made clear that the functions and make up of both the executive and legislative has meant that both these branches are moving towards fusion of powers. Therefore, it is evident that modern day Britain is operating under the suggested doctrine by Bagehot made in 1867, because of their roles and functions. Nevertheless, it is essential to consider that there is not complete fusion of power because many aspectsRead MoreThe Uk Constitution And The United States1557 Words   |  7 PagesOften the UK constitution is asserted to be the most unique in the world, as its sources are a piece of historical significance as they come from great British heritage. From the case of Jackson and others v Her Majesty’s Attorney General, Lord Steyn stated that ‘We do not in the UK have an uncontrolled constitution’. In general terms a person may judge the UK constitution to be uncontrolled due to it being unwritten, as it is derived from a wide range of sources. Which vary from common law to internationalRead MoreEffects Of The Rule Of Law900 Words   |  4 Pagesthe effects on the rule of law in the UK if we where to leave behind the EU conventions on Human rights and repeal the human rights act of 1998 and decides replace both with the UK bill of rights and what the impacts will be across the nation including the general public and parliamentary sovereignty. You will be lightly informed on the rule of Law and the Human rights act and then briefed on weather sovereignty is effective given that the separation of powers is in place. The current Rule of lawRead MoreThe Relationship Between the Three Branches of Government1511 Words   |  7 Pagesargument that the separation of powers has been strengthened within the British Constitution in recent years. This essay aims to look at the Separation of Powers in the UK Constitution. The relationship between the three categories of public power-legislative, executive and the judicial. The overlaps that are present with the individuals operating in the various organs and their functions in the institutions. Reasons why the separation of powers is an important factor in the UK Constitution. FinallyRead MoreWhat Are the Most Important Differences Between Parliamentarism, Presidentialism and Semi-Presidentialism and What Political Implications Follow from These Differences?1668 Words   |  7 Pagesheld in the three democratic systems above, accountability of the executive and legislator, and finally the separation of power between the executive and the legislator of a state. Moreover I will be examining the political implications these all hold for each of the three democratic states in countries such as the UK, US and France. The Presidentialism political system is the separations of power between the executive and the legislature. The President acts as the Head of State, Congress creating lawsRead MoreThe Judicial Selection And Appointment For Securing An Independent Judiciary1661 Words   |  7 Pagesas the public need to have confidence that their cases will be decided fairly and in accordance with the law. Judicial selection and appointment is important in securing an independent judiciary as seen by the politicisation of the judiciary. In the UK and US the system of electing Justices is highly politicised. In the US it is ultimately up to the President to choose a Justice who fits his political ideology and philosophy. There is a clear divide between Justices nominated by Republican Presidents

Key Challenges in Cross Cultural Management free essay sample

The topic of cross-cultural management is becoming increasingly popular. As more and more organizations expand globally, people from culturally diverse backgrounds have recognized the need to work together effectively by learning to be culturally sensitive. Although it appears that managing virtual teams is more complex than managing traditionally aligned teams, success of virtual teams in software fields would suggest otherwise. This paper focuses on the interactions of people in virtual teams trying to understand its challenges as well as its advantages. It also highlights the importance of managing virtual teams in view of its advantages. Whereas it appears that cross cultural issues in teams arise primarily due to miscommunication, successfully performing virtual teams cite communication as their key enabler. By looking deeply into the success factors behind virtual teams, we try to derive key learnings in the area of cross cultural management. Content In the recent past, strategic business plans have failed due to cultural mismatches. We will write a custom essay sample on Key Challenges in Cross Cultural Management or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Until recently, systematic attention has rarely been directed towards cross cultural dimensions risk-assessment of outsourcing arrangements. Nowadays, increasingly, organizations are addressing the fact that cultural risk assessment was neglected in the past in favour of financial and legal factors. Therefore, today, companies willing to enter the world of opportunities in Chinese markets first adapt their organizational culture and functioning style to suit the Chinese culture, values, and consumers. Communication, in addition to cultural sensitivity, is one of the key challenges faced by cross-cultural teams. However, virtual teams functioning in the area of outsourced services and software product development have been quite successful due to certain unique advantages. Surely, then, there is a lot to learn in the area of cross cultural management by observing professionals managing successful virtual teams. Let us first understand how virtual teams function and why they are needed. Virtual team What is it nd why is it needed? Virtual team, as the name suggests, is comprised of a group of individuals who act from geographically different locations, and therefore different time zones, but within organizational boundaries while always committed to a common purpose. This mode of working is most commonly seen in product development teams where different sites have unique expertise to handle specific requirements. It is also common among support teams located across the world to kee p up global round-the-clock support activities. In today’s business scenario, there is an increasing need for having the best people working on projects within organizations, no matter where they may be located. Today, technological advances make it possible for organizations to bring together best employees from different parts of the world. Communication technology helps strengthen the links and the result is a flexible organization with increased business hours. In the times of increasing globalization, the existence of virtual teams, if managed well, presents a huge business expansion opportunity to Multi-National Corporations. But what is it about such a globally dispersed team that makes it so difficult for people to function in unison communication or complexity? Communication or complexity: Which is the challenge for Virtual teams? For example, when Alcatel (now Alcatel-Lucent), established an offshore office in India in 2003 to handle project activities for their Mobility product line offerings, it was able to start operations after just four months with 25 employees. Even after six months in operation, there was no major catastrophe in terms of missed deadlines, botched up projects or information security breaches. Alcatel proceeded with their plan to increase the team size to about 500 in the next year. However, after two years in operation, Alcatel was struggling to keep up quality and schedule of their operations because activities had just gotten too complex to handle. Indeed, it is the complexity of operations that is the cause for concern while working in virtual teams. Interestingly in successful virtual teams, communication, which appears to be a challenge, is actually the key enabler (maybe because it is stressed upon). Virtual teams Learnings for cross cultural management Cultural sensitivity of team members appears to be a lot higher because of inter-group competition, higher percentage of e-mail communication and sensitivity analysis made by every virtual team when they get more time to understand and remind themselves that they are communicating with individuals from a different cultural background. Clearly there are key learnings that cross-cultural managers may derive from above success factors of virtual teams. However, virtual teams run into problems when insensitive leaders try to impose company behaviour over local team culture during intercultural interactions, when there are gaps in communication or lack of clarity about timelines or when there are local team members form a political allegiance who overlook the sense of belonging to the global group. As a leader it is important to cultivate critical skills for effective virtual interactions amongst virtual teams. This will help to minimize mistakes and delays as well as to increase productivity and trust within the team. It would also be useful to have established guidelines for e-communication culture to ensure team success. In today’s global world, managers need rhetorical skills, not for making fine speeches, but to know how to use their voice even in a foreign language to convey sweetness and confidence. The skilful use of the human voice, which can float across any language barrier, is the secret weapon for intercultural business communication. The big challenge for companies and for cross-cultural trainers is to unearth and understand the nature of knowledge that is built into specific cultural contexts, languages and communication behaviour and then apply it. Conclusion Today’s manager is expected to be able to create condition for various social groups that are potentially in contest, to hold them together in an integrated rather than fragmented social system. Managing virtual teams, which are bound to be cross-cultural by nature, requires deep cultural sensitivity combined with excellent organizational and management skills. As role models for good practice, the management systems that tend to be non-judgemental, low-key and reflective are likely to be successful in carrying out strategies with geographically dispersed teams since the resulting style is one that does not communicate cultural superiority. Nothing alienates a culture faster than the perception that it is being looked down upon everyone. Therefore, people in cross-cultural teams need to remember the serviceable formulation by German company Henkel ‘global when necessary, local where possible’ to be successful in a cross cultural framework. Key Challenges in Cross Cultural Management free essay sample The topic of cross-cultural management is becoming increasingly popular. As more and more organizations expand globally, people from culturally diverse backgrounds have recognized the need to work together effectively by learning to be culturally sensitive. Although it appears that managing virtual teams is more complex than managing traditionally aligned teams, success of virtual teams in software fields would suggest otherwise. This paper focuses on the interactions of people in virtual teams trying to understand its challenges as well as its advantages. It also highlights the importance of managing virtual teams in view of its advantages. Whereas it appears that cross cultural issues in teams arise primarily due to miscommunication, successfully performing virtual teams cite communication as their key enabler. By looking deeply into the success factors behind virtual teams, we try to derive key learnings in the area of cross cultural management. Content In the recent past, strategic business plans have failed due to cultural mismatches. We will write a custom essay sample on Key Challenges in Cross Cultural Management or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Until recently, systematic attention has rarely been directed towards cross cultural dimensions risk-assessment of outsourcing arrangements. Nowadays, increasingly, organizations are addressing the fact that cultural risk assessment was neglected in the past in favour of financial and legal factors. Therefore, today, companies willing to enter the world of opportunities in Chinese markets first adapt their organizational culture and functioning style to suit the Chinese culture, values, and consumers. Communication, in addition to cultural sensitivity, is one of the key challenges faced by cross-cultural teams. However, virtual teams functioning in the area of outsourced services and software product development have been quite successful due to certain unique advantages. Surely, then, there is a lot to learn in the area of cross cultural management by observing professionals managing successful virtual teams. Let us first understand how virtual teams function and why they are needed. Virtual team What is it nd why is it needed? Virtual team, as the name suggests, is comprised of a group of individuals who act from geographically different locations, and therefore different time zones, but within organizational boundaries while always committed to a common purpose. This mode of working is most commonly seen in product development teams where different sites have unique expertise to handle specific requirements. It is also common among support teams located across the world to kee p up global round-the-clock support activities. In today’s business scenario, there is an increasing need for having the best people working on projects within organizations, no matter where they may be located. Today, technological advances make it possible for organizations to bring together best employees from different parts of the world. Communication technology helps strengthen the links and the result is a flexible organization with increased business hours. In the times of increasing globalization, the existence of virtual teams, if managed well, presents a huge business expansion opportunity to Multi-National Corporations. But what is it about such a globally dispersed team that makes it so difficult for people to function in unison communication or complexity? Communication or complexity: Which is the challenge for Virtual teams? For example, when Alcatel (now Alcatel-Lucent), established an offshore office in India in 2003 to handle project activities for their Mobility product line offerings, it was able to start operations after just four months with 25 employees. Even after six months in operation, there was no major catastrophe in terms of missed deadlines, botched up projects or information security breaches. Alcatel proceeded with their plan to increase the team size to about 500 in the next year. However, after two years in operation, Alcatel was struggling to keep up quality and schedule of their operations because activities had just gotten too complex to handle. Indeed, it is the complexity of operations that is the cause for concern while working in virtual teams. Interestingly in successful virtual teams, communication, which appears to be a challenge, is actually the key enabler (maybe because it is stressed upon). Virtual teams Learnings for cross cultural management Cultural sensitivity of team members appears to be a lot higher because of inter-group competition, higher percentage of e-mail communication and sensitivity analysis made by every virtual team when they get more time to understand and remind themselves that they are communicating with individuals from a different cultural background. Clearly there are key learnings that cross-cultural managers may derive from above success factors of virtual teams. However, virtual teams run into problems when insensitive leaders try to impose company behaviour over local team culture during intercultural interactions, when there are gaps in communication or lack of clarity about timelines or when there are local team members form a political allegiance who overlook the sense of belonging to the global group. As a leader it is important to cultivate critical skills for effective virtual interactions amongst virtual teams. This will help to minimize mistakes and delays as well as to increase productivity and trust within the team. It would also be useful to have established guidelines for e-communication culture to ensure team success. In today’s global world, managers need rhetorical skills, not for making fine speeches, but to know how to use their voice even in a foreign language to convey sweetness and confidence. The skilful use of the human voice, which can float across any language barrier, is the secret weapon for intercultural business communication. The big challenge for companies and for cross-cultural trainers is to unearth and understand the nature of knowledge that is built into specific cultural contexts, languages and communication behaviour and then apply it. Conclusion Today’s manager is expected to be able to create condition for various social groups that are potentially in contest, to hold them together in an integrated rather than fragmented social system. Managing virtual teams, which are bound to be cross-cultural by nature, requires deep cultural sensitivity combined with excellent organizational and management skills. As role models for good practice, the management systems that tend to be non-judgemental, low-key and reflective are likely to be successful in carrying out strategies with geographically dispersed teams since the resulting style is one that does not communicate cultural superiority. Nothing alienates a culture faster than the perception that it is being looked down upon everyone. Therefore, people in cross-cultural teams need to remember the serviceable formulation by German company Henkel ‘global when necessary, local where possible’ to be successful in a cross cultural framework.