Longitudinal Differences in Psychological Anomy and Sociological Anomy

Abstract

Wolfe (1974) has presented evidence suggesting a eneral increase in anomy over past decade. Following writers such as Remanis (19f7) Wolfe supports Social Barometer approach to anomy. Two problems arise from this conceptualization: crosssectional methods may not adequately define changes in anomy, and distinction berween sociological anomy and psychological anomy is not clearly recognized. The present longitudinal study was designed to reflect changes in anorny more clearly. From a sample of 200 college students tested in 1964, 100 were retested in 1974 on Srole Index of Anomy and McClosky-Schaar Measure of Anomy. Srole's measure taps individual's feelings that community leaders are indifferent to his needs and that little can be accomplished in a society which is basically unpredictable and lacking order (Merton in Clinard, 1964, p. 228). McClosky and Schaar (1965) argue that Srole's conceptualization is restricted to traditional sociological approach to anomy wherein the psychological state of anomy reflects economic and social conditions. They reconceptualize anomy as . . a state of mind, a cluster of attitudes, beliefs, and feelings in minds of individuals (p. 19). In sum, Srole-Merton approach argues that anomy is better understood as a sociological construct whereas McClosky-Schaar argue that anomy is better understood as a psychological construct. A careful check was made to assure that 1974 sample was representative of original 1964 sample. The results demonstrate necessity of retaining both sociological perspective and psychological perspective. Over a 10-yr. period scores on Srole scale increased significantly (1964 M = 5.4, 1974 M = 7.0; t = 2.18, p < .05). Over same period, scores on McClosky-Schaar scale decreased significantly (1964 M = 3.0: 1974 M = 2.36; r = -5.18, p < .01). When F ratios were computed, no slgn~f~cant d~fferences in variance were found, adding clear significance to differences ln means. Correlations indicated a substantial relationship in 1964 (r = .68) and a moderate relationship in 1974 (r = .35). Moderate stability of scores was also demonstrated. It seems rational to argue that, while an individual may perceive a breaking down of social rules and norms, he could believe without inconsistency that his own personal value and rule systems are still intact and well grounded. It can be concluded that normlessness can be viewed as a sociological phenomenon and as a psychological phenomenon. These two positions, while perhaps complementary, are not identical.