Social Integration, Victimization, and Anomia

Abstract

Durkheim argues that anomie occurs as a result of some temporary or longterm crisis that disturbs the collective order. Yet, at the individual level an event or events must be perceived as affecting immediate social relationships before anomia occurs. Previous victimization research reports suggest that crimes may cause interaction problems for the victims. This passibility was analyzed using two notional samples collected by the Notional Opinion Research Center in 1973 and 1974. Using regression to analyze the impact of robbery and burglary on anomia scores no significant relations were found. Bath are usually non‐recurrent experiences that either do not have long‐term effects on individuls, or anomia as measured here is too far removed to serve as an adequate measure.

RETRACTION NOTICE: Exploring cross-national variation in anomie and victimization

“…Among published empirical work, there are mixed findings regarding the effect of anomia on victimization. For instance, Smith et al (1978) found no association between anomia and being a victim of robbery or burglary. Maitland and Sluder (1998) found that prisoners in a medium-security state prison, who were victims of a range of offenses, had higher anomia scores than non-victims, although this relationship was not statistically significant.…”

“…In fact, Merton (1949) suggests that being a victim of a crime may result in feelings of anomia. That is, victims of crime may withdraw from previous interactions, have increased distrust, and refrain from creating new social ties, which may perpetrate further victimization experiences (Smith et al, 1978). In line with routine activities theory (Cohen and Felson, 1979), it is plausible that people who feel disconnected from society are likely to lack capable guardians and may also put themselves in risky situations, ultimately leading to situations conducive to victimization.…”

Acute Stress Disorder in Victims of Robbery and Victims of Assault

“…The assessments of the psychological impact of robbery are very divergent. One study does not find any negative consequences (Smith, DuRant, & Carter, 1978), whereas the majority find moderate to considerable psychological sequelae. The more comprehensive the studies, the more adverse symptoms are found.…”