Applying Anomie & Strain Theory to Achieving the American Dream: Moving from Illegitimate to Legitimate Organized Crime in the United States

Abstract

Merton and Durkheim's theories offer substantial insights into organized crime and criminal organizations. This paper employs Anomie and Strain Theory to examine the relationship between cultural success values, monetary goals, and the means employed by organized crime groups to achieve these objectives, utilizing Merton's Five Alternative Modes of Adjustment. The analysis specifically considers how The American Dream creates economic achievement pressures both domestically and internationally as countries embrace capitalism. Through systematic examination of theoretical frameworks and contemporary case studies, this research demonstrates how organized crime entities transition from illegitimate to legitimate enterprises, while exploring how strain particularly affects male participation in criminal organizations. The study concludes with an analysis of Russian organized crime as a contemporary example, tracing developments from the Soviet Union's dissolution to present-day operations.

Keywords: Merton, Durkheim, Anomie, Strain Theory, The American Dream, Organized Crime

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/15-7-02

Publication date:August 31^st 2025