The 1940's American Sociologist Robert K. Merton

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In sociology, deviance describes an action or behavior that violates social norms, but is disapproved by large numbers of people. In the 1940’s American sociologist Robert K. Merton came up with his strain theory. This was and still is an important contribution to the study of crime and deviance. Back in the day when he first released his theory it helped to explain why crime existed in countries, such as America, these countries were going through increasing economic growth and wealth. In Merton’s theory there are five types of deviance. These are conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism and rebellion. Merton describes these 5 things take place from once individuals are face a problem between their goals and where their current statues

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