The Maximizer: Clarifying Merton's theories of anomie and strain

Abstract

Robert Merton's (1957) theories of anomie and strain are among the most widely examined theories of criminality. Messner and Rosenfeld's (1994) theory of institutional anomie built on Merton's conception of anomie, delineating how specific institutions lead to conditions of anomie and criminality. Cloward and Ohlin's (1961) theory of differential opportunity built upon Merton's strain theory, underscoring the fact that those involved in illegitimate means of opportunity require a set of learned skills as do those involved in legitimate means. In this tradition, the present paper further expands Merton's theories of anomie and strain, suggesting that Merton's categories of conformist and innovator are not mutually exclusive. In fact, some individuals combine both legitimate and illegitimate means of opportunity in pursuit of the American Dream. The Maximizer, the authors suggest, merges elements of both the conformist and the innovator (i.e. legitimate and illegitimate means). The present paper explores the justification for merging legitimate and illegitimate means of opportunity in pursuit of the American Dream.

Political Corruption and Electoral Funding

“…As Friedrichs (2004) has argued, no corporations have been ever convicted for giving this type of electoral support. Murphy and Robinson (2008) note that neither perpetrators (corporate executives) nor society are willing to accept that these highly respectable people, who are straining every nerve to fulfill the American Dream, are white-collar criminals. This is a challenge that demands creative responses.…”

“…Introduced by Murphy and Robinson (2008), the maximizer corresponds to a new form of adaptation of Merton's theories of anomie and strain. Murphy and Robinson (2008, p. 512) argue that ''in the business world, maximization is the preferred strategy used to increase profits and wealth.''…”

“…Corporate donors get involved in this kind of action not because of a lack of resources but because they want to obtain greater returns for their companies. Seen as an investment for the corporations, electoral donations should be a source of profit for those who make them-a particular type of behavior identified as the maximizer (Murphy & Robinson, 2008).…”

Anatomy of Corruption in the Nigerian Public Sector

“…The central theme of Merton's theory with regard to deviance and criminality asserts that criminality is a function of an overemphasis on the goals associated with accumulation of wealth, as well as a disjuncture between the goals valued by society and the means available to individuals to achieve them (Merton, 1957). Therefore, the primary instrument through which deviance and criminality are fostered has its origin in goals-means discrepancies (whether because of an overemphasis on cultural goals or goal blockage; Murphy & Robinson, 2008).…”

Policing, Crime and Mental Illness in England and Wales: Insights from the Literature

“…Those ill-equipped to conform to social messages leading to rewards are more likely to engage in antisocial or illegal behaviours. For them, goals can only be attempted through deviant behaviour and so effectively and collectively become labelled and stigmatised as misfits, miscreants, degenerates, mentally ill or unemployable (Merton, 1954;Murphy & Robinson, 2008). Allport (1979) identified the social contexts of perceived prejudicial injustice felt by "out groups".…”