GCSE sociology [WJEC]- Crime and deviance, Merton: strain theory.

This is a GCSE sociology lesson which focuses on the crime and deviance unit. The lesson specifically focuses on Merton’s strain theory, within the functionalist perspective of crime. The lesson is designed to last 90 minutes and there are a total of 12 slides on the power point.

Included:

• Starter, recapping social differentiation.
• Title page, encouraging students to think about the motivation for why people commit crimes.
• Quick quiz- assessing students knowledge on the functionalist perspective. Answers and questions provided on the pp.
• Explanation of what Merton means by the word Anomie- links to the American dream.
• Explanation of Merton’s strain theory- short video clip showing how society is not meritocratic. Link included on power point.
• Explanation of Merton’s reactions to strain. Drawing task- students to create a storyboard which represents each reaction. Template for this included as a separate document.
• Explanation of Marxist criticisms of strain theory. Student task/ instructions on power point.
• Consolidation task- students to add what they have learnt to their worksheet. Students come back to this each time they learn about a new theory. Provided as a separate worksheet.
• Short answer exam questions, differentiated. Students choose which questions they want to answer. Mark scheme for 5 marker provided on the pp.
• Plenary- match the deviant reaction to its definition. Answers provided.