One of the main puzzles in the study of criminology is that although society became much more affluent in the twentieth century, crime rates continued to rise. Robert K. Merton responded to this quandary by:
A) determining that economic factors were no longer relevant to crime
B) emphasizing the morality socialized into particular groups
C) identifying a sense of relative deprivation as a factor in deviance
D) recognizing that people with deviant peers are more likely to participate in deviant behavior

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Merton identified a sense of relative deprivation as a factor in deviance. Despite increased affluence, certain groups may feel a sense of relative deprivation when they cannot achieve the same level of wealth or status as others in society. This feeling can lead to deviant behavior as a means of achieving those goals or expressing frustration with the current system. Thus, Merton emphasized structural factors rather than individual morality or economic factors as the root cause of deviance.

One of the Main Puzzles in the Study of Criminology