Anomie and social strain : applying anomie theory to the understanding of male criminal behaviour in the Maltese social context

Abstract

Anomie theory is generally associated with the two classical sociologists, Emile Durkheim (1897) and Merton K. Merton (1938). The concept has become progressively broader over the years, diverging into empirical examinations and theoretical discussions that attempt to explain the relationship between social strain, deviant and criminal behaviour. The most notable of these is the revision of the theory by Agnew (1985, 1992) whose approach extended the concept of strain beyond that understood by Merton as the discrepancy between aspirations and expectations, to encompass multi-dimensional sources of strain. It is on this approach where the focus of this study lies, concentrating on how strain is affected by both macro structural determinants and individual experience within primary institutional settings. Detachment and lack of commitment to social institutions are examined to understand the process of disintegration and deregulation, and whether weak social control may increase strain by contributing to the pursuit of unlimited or unattainable goals. This research identifies various sources of strain that act as determinants of crime in the Maltese social context, such as status deprivation, unfulfilled goals and unrealistic expectations, malintegration, social disorganisation, lifestyle, and subcultural behaviour. Importance is also placed on the identification of other factors that may not be necessarily related to strain, but contribute to delinquent and criminal behaviour. These include the notion of low self-esteem, value transmission and role imitation, social stratification and lack of economic opportunity, labelling, and media. The research design is based on a qualitative methodology where data is analysed within a grounded theory framework. The sample is limited to eight male criminal offenders between the ages of 22 and 32, who are presently undergoing a rehabilitation programme at the Substance Abuse Therapeutic Unit. This Unit forms an integral part of the Corradino Correctional Facility. This study concludes with the recommendation for the provision of further knowledge and training to youth and community workers in the judicial process and the adjudicatory stage. Continuity in research studies testing the theory is also emphasised.