Structural Strain

Definition

Structural strain refers to the tension or imbalance within the social structure that can lead to collective behavior, such as social movements or mass protests. It arises when there is a discrepancy between societal goals and the legitimate means to achieve those goals, creating a sense of frustration and a desire for change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Structural strain can arise from factors such as economic inequality, lack of access to education or employment opportunities, and perceived injustice or discrimination.
2. The discrepancy between societal goals and the legitimate means to achieve them can lead to a sense of frustration and a desire for change, which can manifest in collective behavior.
3. Structural strain is often associated with the breakdown or weakening of social institutions and norms, known as social disorganization.
4. Feelings of relative deprivation, where individuals perceive their situation as worse than what they expect or deserve, can exacerbate structural strain and contribute to collective behavior.
5. Collective behavior, such as social movements or mass protests, can be a response to structural strain as individuals and groups seek to address the imbalance within the social structure.

Review Questions

• Explain how structural strain can lead to collective behavior, such as social movements or mass protests.
  • Structural strain refers to the tension or imbalance within the social structure that can lead to collective behavior. When there is a discrepancy between societal goals and the legitimate means to achieve those goals, it creates a sense of frustration and a desire for change. This can manifest in collective behavior, such as social movements or mass protests, as individuals and groups seek to address the imbalance within the social structure. The breakdown or weakening of social institutions and norms, known as social disorganization, can exacerbate structural strain and contribute to collective behavior. Additionally, feelings of relative deprivation, where individuals perceive their situation as worse than what they expect or deserve, can further fuel the desire for change and lead to collective action.
• Analyze the relationship between structural strain and the concept of anomie.
  • Structural strain is closely related to the concept of anomie, which refers to a state of normlessness or lack of social and ethical standards. When there is a discrepancy between societal goals and the legitimate means to achieve those goals, it can create a sense of confusion and a lack of clear social norms. This breakdown of social cohesion and the weakening of institutional structures can lead to a state of anomie, where individuals feel disconnected from the larger social fabric. In this context, structural strain can contribute to the development of anomie, as the imbalance within the social structure undermines the stability and predictability of social life. The combination of structural strain and anomie can then fuel collective behavior, as individuals and groups seek to address the perceived injustice and restore a sense of order and purpose within the social system.
• Evaluate how factors such as economic inequality, lack of access to education or employment, and perceived injustice or discrimination can contribute to structural strain and collective behavior.
  • Structural strain can arise from a variety of factors, including economic inequality, lack of access to education or employment opportunities, and perceived injustice or discrimination. These factors create a discrepancy between societal goals and the legitimate means to achieve them, leading to a sense of frustration and a desire for change. For example, economic inequality can make it difficult for individuals to attain the societal goals of financial stability and upward mobility, leading to a sense of relative deprivation and a perception of an unfair system. Similarly, lack of access to education or employment can hinder individuals' ability to achieve societal expectations, contributing to structural strain. Perceived injustice or discrimination, whether based on race, gender, or other social identities, can also create a sense of imbalance within the social structure, fueling collective behavior as individuals and groups seek to address these perceived inequities. By understanding the factors that contribute to structural strain, we can better analyze and anticipate the emergence of collective behavior, such as social movements or mass protests, as a response to the imbalances within the social system.

Related terms

Anomie: A state of normlessness or lack of social and ethical standards, which can result from structural strain and contribute to collective behavior.

Social Disorganization: The breakdown or weakening of social institutions and norms, which can occur due to structural strain and lead to collective behavior.

Relative Deprivation: The perception that one's current situation is worse than what is expected or deserved, which can fuel feelings of resentment and a desire for change, contributing to collective behavior.