Durkheim and Merton on Anomie

An Unexplored Contrast and Its Derivatives

Bibliographic Data

ID2484652
AuthorsRichard A Hilbert (Gustavus Adolphus College, corresponding author)
Year1989
Volume36
Issue3
Pages242-250
Publication date1989-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Problems (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0037-7791 • E-ISSN: 1533-8533
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.2307/800693
OpenAlexW2170148111
LanguageEN
Citations received23
References cited32

Combining the anomie theories of Durkheim and Merton yields: anomie prevents anomie. This incoherence indicates that the theorists cannot be referencing the same phenomenon. Differences are pursued in the assumptions and orientations of the two theorists, particularly the ontological status of deviance, the role it plays in the health of society and the sense in which it is normal, the nature of a crisis, the formal relationship between deviance and anomie, and the similarities in theoretical outcomes to those of common sense reasoning. Durkheim s theory emerges as more compatible with labeling theory, ethnomethodology, and contemporary social problems theory than with American functionalism. Merton s theorizing emerges as an empirical example of Durkheimian ritual anomie prevention practices

Anomie · Contrast (vision) · Criminology · Deviance (statistics · Economics · Epistemology · Ethnomethodology · Functionalism (philosophy of mind · Phenomenon · Positive economics · Psychoanalysis · Social science · Sociology · Anthropology · Artificial Intelligence · Computer Science · Contemporary Sociological Theory and Practice · Emile Durkheim and Sociology · Mathematics · Philosophy · Psychology · Social Psychology · Social Representations and Identity