· 2017· Book chapter
Social Structure and Anomie
- 3,706citations
- 2017year
Short summary
A social structure that overemphasizes success goals while limiting approved means can normalize the infringement of social codes, leading to anomie and antisocial behavior.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- Social structures can generate circumstances where infringing social codes is a normal response.
- Lack of coordination between means and goals in social structure leads to anomie.
- American emphasis on pecuniary success and limited approved means fosters anxiety and antisocial behavior.
- A stable social structure requires balanced emotional distribution among segments.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
This chapter suggests that certain phases of social structure generate the circumstances in which infringement of social codes constitutes a "normal" response. Whatever the sentiments of the writer or reader concerning the ethical desirability of coordinating the means-and-goals phases of the social structure, one must agree that lack of such coordination leads to anomie. The American stress on pecuniary success and ambitiousness for all thus invites exaggerated anxieties, hostilities, neuroses and antisocial behavior. "The-end-justifies-the-means" doctrine becomes a guiding tenet for action when the cultural structure unduly exalts the end and the social organization unduly limits possible recourse to approved means. The lack of high integration between the means and-end elements of the cultural pattern and the particular class structure combine to favor a heightened frequency of antisocial conduct in such groups. A stable social structure demands a balanced distribution of affect among its various segments.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source., 2017 · DOI ↗
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Field: Sociology and Political Science
Sociology and Political ScienceSocial Sciences