Institutional Anomie Theory (IAT)

Introduction

• Institutional Anomie Theory (IAT) is a strain theory.
• Developed by Messner and Rosenfeld in 1994.
• Part of the book "Crime and the American Dream."
• Focuses on explaining high crime rates specific to American culture.

Connection to Other Theories

• Relates to other strain theories:
  • Merton's Strain Theory
  • Agnew’s General Strain Theory

Key Concepts

• American Dream:
  • Commitment to material and financial success.
  • Pursued through competition.
• Anomie:
  • Originally by Emile Durkheim, meaning chaos in society.
  • Laws, morals, and rules are ignored, leading to disorder and crime.

Arguments by Messner and Rosenfeld

• Economic Focus:
  • US culture overemphasizes economic institutions at the expense of others (family, education, religion).
  • Economic success is prioritized above all else.
• Education:
  • Seen as a means to improve economic status, not valued for knowledge or learning.
• Politics:
  • Driven by economic gain rather than public good.

Comparison to Other Cultures

• Other countries have a balanced emphasis on institutions.
  • Example: South American cultures prioritize family over economics.
  • Result: Less crime due to more balanced social institutions.
• Cultural Differences:
  • US: Focus on work and economic progress.
  • South America: Emphasis on family time and social connections.

Consequences

• Crime and Anomie:
  • Intense focus on economic success leads to crime and societal chaos (anomie).
  • Weaker social institutions lead to fewer constraints on deviant behavior.
  • The American Dream promotes pursuit of money by any means, undermining other societal values.

Conclusion

• Messner and Rosenfeld argue that the unhealthy obsession with material wealth causes lawlessness and weakens other institutions, leading to anomie.