is a sociological term that refers to a state of normlessness in society. It is usually attributed to decreased homogeneity, which provides a social environment conducive to crimes and criminality.
A theory developed by Emile Durkheim; holds that normlessness and social isolation are symptoms of a dysfunctional society and the causes of deviant behavior.
Apathy, alienation, and personal distress resulting from the loss of goals previously valued. Emile Durkheim popularized this term when he listed it as a principal reason for suicide.
The breakdown of the influence of social norms on individuals within a society. The weakening of the social bond.
Emile Durkheim's term to descrive the condition of the industrial workers who seemed to be without any roots or norms as the struggled daily to survive.
a state of normlessness (not knowing what the norms are)
personal state of isolation and anxiety resulting from a lack of social control and regulation
lack of moral standards in a society
A state of social disorganization and demoralization in society which is largely the result of disharmony between cultural goals and the means for attaining them. This may be reflected in the behavior of the individual in many ways - non-conformity, social withdrawal, deviant behavior, etc.
a crisis in the moral order of a social group resulting in the inability of the group to provide order and normative regulation for individual members.
Emile Durkheim's designation for a condition in which social control becomes ineffective as a result of the loss of shared values and a sense of purpose in society.
From the Greek, "without law," a collapse of the social structures of a given society, or the state of alienation experienced by individuals and groups under these circumstances. This experience of disorder or chaos is one of the precipitating catalysts for apocalyptic literature and movements.
A condition produced by normlessness. Because of rapidly shifting moral values, the individual has few guides to what is socially acceptable. According to Merton, anomie is a condition that occurs when personal goals cannot be achieved by available means. In Agnew's revision anomie can occur when positive or valued stimuli are removed or negative or painful ones applied.
