Srole's Scale Research Articles

Escalas de anomia social: Confiabilidad y estructura factorial en una muestra colombiana

Social anomie is a theoretical concept with a clear sociological origin, specifically developed by Emile Durkheim (2003; 2013). Later, a series of Works focused on the measurement of anomie through scales, within which the Srole and the McClosky and Schaar scales can be highlighted. In Colombia, there are previous investigations that have used the Srole scale, but there are only a few reports of its reliability indexes or internal structure. Thus, the objective of this research was to make an analysis of the reliability and internal structure of both scales for the Colombian population. With the participation of 181 Colombian citizens, who answered both scales by digital means, better confidence indexes in the scale of McClosky and Schaar and a structure of two factors in both scales were found. Similarly, comparisons were made by sociodemographic variables, finding differences between groups by their religious belief.

Treatment of Addicts in a Tehran Drug Rehabilitation Center

Click to increase image sizeClick to decrease image size Notes 1 Mansour Vosooghi Vosooghi M et al. 1997 Evaluation of Existing Conditions in Addicts' Rehabilitation Center: Case Study of Qarchak Rehabilitation Center Tehran University of Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences [Google Scholar], et al., Evaluation of Existing Conditions in Addicts' Rehabilitation Center: Case Study of Qarchak Rehabilitation Center (University of Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, 1997), p. 4. 2 See further J. Wrrag Wrrag J 1999 An Evaluation of a Model Drug Education, National Campaign Against Drug Abuse Monograph series 22 Canberra Australian Government Publishing Services [Google Scholar], An Evaluation of a Model Drug Education, National Campaign against Drug Abuse (Australain Government Publishing Services), pp. 75–89. 3 Herbert Spencer Spencer H 1896 The Principles of Sociology 3 vols New York Appleton [Google Scholar], The Principles of Sociology, 3 vols. (Appleton, 1896); and idem, The Evolution of Society: Selections from Herbert Spencer, Principles of Sociology (University of Chicago Press, 1967 Spencer H 1967 The Evolution of Society: Selections from Herbert Spencer, Principles of Sociology Chicago, IL University of Chicago Press [Google Scholar]). 4 Vosooghi Vosooghi M et al. 1997 Evaluation of Existing Conditions in Addicts' Rehabilitation Center: Case Study of Qarchak Rehabilitation Center Tehran University of Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences [Google Scholar], et al., Evaluation of Existing Conditions in Addicts' Rehabilitation Center, p. 68. 5 Robert K. Merton Merton RK 1968 Social Theory and Social Structure enlarged ed. New York The Free Press [Google Scholar], Social Theory and Social Structure, enlarged edition (The Free Press, 1968); and idem, On Theoretical Sociology Merton RK 1967 On Theoretical Sociology New York The Free Press [Google Scholar] (The Free Press, 1967). 6 Erwin Harden Sutherland Sutherland EH 1966 Principles of Criminology 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA University of Pennsylvania Press [Google Scholar], Principles of Criminology, 7th ed. (Pennsylvania University Press, 1966). 7 Ministry of Health Ministry of Health 2004 Illicit Drug Usage, 1382–83 [2003–2004] Tehran Ministry of Health [Google Scholar], ‘Illicit Drug Usage, 1382–83 [2003–2004]’ (Ministry of Health, 2004). 8 Sedigh Sarvestani Sarvestani S 2004 Social Pathology [in Persian] Tehran AN Publication House [Google Scholar], Social Pathology [in Persian] (AN Publication House, 2004), p. 155. 9 See further Kouroush Amini Amini K 1990 Reasons Behind the Return of Addicts to Governmental De-toxification Centers in the City of Hamedan [in Persian] MA thesis Shahid Beheshti University Tehran [Google Scholar], ‘Reasons behind the Return of Addicts to Governmental Detoxifiction Centers in the City of Hamedan’ [in Persian], M.A. thesis, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, pp. 35–39. 10 The SROLE scale is used to measure social alienation. 11 The Schwartz scale is used to measure political alienation. 12 Alireza Mohseni-Tabrizi Mohseni Tabrizi A 2002 Depression and addiction [in Persian] Scientific and Research Quarterly Drug abuse studies 1 1 [Google Scholar], ‘Depression and Addiction’ [in Persian], Scientific and Research Quarterly, Drug Abuse Studies, 1, no. 1: 17. 13 The Lickert Format is a social psychological scale to measure some attitudes and behaviors. 14 J. Orang Orang J 1987 Research on Addiction Identification, Models, Prevention and Treatment Methods [in Persian] Tehran Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance [Google Scholar], ‘Research on Addiction Identification, Models, Prevention and Treatment Methods’ [in Persian] (Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance), p. 47. 15 Alireza Mir Fakari Mir Fakharai A 1999 What is Addiction, Who is an Addict? 2nd ed., [in Persian] Tehran Vahedi Publication House [Google Scholar], What is Addiction, Who is an Addict?, 2nd ed. (Vahedi Publication House, 1999), p. 15. 16 Mohseni-Tabrizi, ‘Depression and Addiction,’ p. 19. 17 For the Schwartz Scale, see note 11. 18 Data in the table was collected during the field research. 19 Vosooghi Vosooghi M et al. 1997 Evaluation of Existing Conditions in Addicts' Rehabilitation Center: Case Study of Qarchak Rehabilitation Center Tehran University of Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences [Google Scholar], Evaluation, p. 27.

Marital Status, Happiness, and Anomia

A common theme in the literature of marriage and the family is that the marital relationship protects the individual from the normlessness and alienation of an impersonal world. Using data from the 1976 National Opinion Research Center (NOR C) General Social Survey, this research examines the effects of marital status and marital happiness on anomia, as measured by the Srole Scale. Controlling for relevant background variables, the results indicate that neither marital status nor marital happiness is related to anomia. There is, however, a moderately strong negative relationship between education and anomia and a weak negative relationship between overall life satisfaction and anomia. These results indicate that socioeconomic status remains the primary determinant of anomia for most Americans.

Longitudinal Differences in Psychological Anomy and Sociological Anomy

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.

Anomie and Religiosity: An Empirical Re-Examination

In a number of recent sociological investigations, the writings of Durkheim have been interpreted to say that religion serves the function of reducing or the condition of normlessness in a society. These investigations have generally followed Merton in attributing the cause of anomie to an acute disjunction between the cultural norms and goals in a society and the capacity of groups within that society to adapt to them. In other words, those in the lower classes experience the highest anomie due to their inability to realize societal goals. Empirically, it has been shown that in the lower classes, scores are consistently higher on the Srole scale (Bell, 1957; Dean, 1961; Meier & Bell, 1959; Wassef, 1967). Taking the Srole scale as a measure of anomie, the question, then, is whether religion can ameliorate the effects of existence in the lower classes. Is anomie inversely related to religiosity? Bell (1957) found that when socio-economic status was controlled, the difference in anomie scores between religious and non-religious respondents was not significant. Two other investigations (Photiadis & Johnson, 1963; Dean, 1968) found no differences in normlessness due to differential religiosity. Keedy (1958) showed religious orthodoxy to actually be a correlate of anomie. However, a recent study by Lee and Clyde (1974) found that at high levels of religiosity, socio-economic status was not significantly related to anomie. Some interpretations of Durkheim have suggested that Catholics will manifest lower conditions of anomie than will Protestants. Dean and Reeves (1962) found that

Anomie and level of suicidality in individuals.

The empirical relationship between anomie and suicidal individuals is largely overlooked by sociologists and psychologists. This article reports on whether (a) suicidal individuals are anomic and (b) whether anomie increases monotonically in nonsuicidal individuals to serious suicide attempters. The Srole anomie scale was administered to 60 serious suicidal subjects, 60 not-so-serious suicidal subjects, and to 60 nonsuicidal subjects. The results show that anomie as measured by the Srole scale is positively related to the degree of lethality.

On Measuring Anomia: Suggested Modification of the Srole Scale

On Measuring Anomia: Suggested Modification of the Srole Scale

Anomie and vocational-technical education

Graduates from a public, postsecondary vocational-technical school are compared with a control group of individuals without such education in order to assess differences in level of anomie (via Srole Scale). While differences in some cases were minimal, vocational-technical graduates generally revealed a more positive attitude about the present and future. It is suggested that since their education is more job-centered, and they have already experienced some occupational “success”, they are more likely to have internalized and reflect traditional societal norms. The control group, while possessing similar demographic backgrounds, still are in transition-attending college, looking for work, etc.

Anomie, Powerlessness, and Religious Participation

THEORIES of need-fulfilling functions of religion should expect a relationship between anomie and religious participation. But Keedy found that anomie was inversely correlated with religious participation,' and Bell found that when socio-economic status was controlled, there was no significant difference in anomie score between religious and nonreligious individuals.2 Both used the Srole scale to measure anomie. This study reports results, using two other measures of anomie, confirming Bell's findings of no relationship. It also reports a curvilinear relationship between a measure of powerlessness and religious participation.

Regional Differences as a Variable in Sociological Research

Research has consistently shown that anomia, measured by Srole's scale, is more prevalent in the lower than in the higher classes, but little research has dealt with variations in anomia within given levels. This paper presents survey data bearing on three hypotheses which relate aspects of to variations in anomia within levels. The data fail to support the status inconsistency hypothesis that inconsistent statuses lead to anomia, or the social hypothesis that differential failure to achieve life goals explains variations in anomia within levels. A third hypothesis, consistent with our own and earlier research findings, is tentatively advanced though it cannot be fully tested with the data at hand: the attiRevision of a paper presented at the Southern Sociological Society meetings, Miami Beach, April, 1961. The research reported herein was performed pursuant to a contract with the United States Office of Education, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and was also supported by the Ford Foundation through the Urban Studies Program, Institute for Research in Social Science, University of North Carolina. We are indebted to David R. Norsworthy for suggestions and for help in analysis, and to Ida Harper Simpson for a critical reading of the manuscript. This content downloaded from 207.46.13.189 on Thu, 16 Jun 2016 06:38:37 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms

Alienation and Integration of Student Intellectuals

related to religious orthodoxy among Protestants. Bell,42 using the same scale but controlling for socio-economic status, found no correlation between anomie and being Protestant, Catholic, or Jewish; nor with frequency of attendance at church. It may be speculated that a Normlessness scale clearly differentiating the Purposelessness and Conflict of Directives sub-types might prove more fruitful. Further investigations should be made in regard to the syndrome of Alienation. In this connection, it may be noted that Srole's scale could not be retained in our Alienation scales because his items failed to meet our judging and item analysis criteria. His anomie scale, however, correlated .31 with our Normlessness sub-scale on a college pretest sample of 73. The fact that Nettler's scale 43 also correlated with Srole's scale at about the same magnitude seems to indicate that estrangement from society may be empirically separable from the other components. Finally, while most of the literature and our particular research have conceptualized Alienation as a phenomenon of Society, others,44 have made the local community or associational activities the referent. Perhaps the individual's identification with, or Alienation from, Society, is experienced with reference to primary groups or voluntary associations. It may very well be that Alienation is not a unitary phenomenon, but a syndrome. In this respect, Davids' conceptualization of eight components seems challenging.45 In any case, certainly much more research is required before the Alienation concept can be empirically validated.

Authoritarianism and Alienation: The F-Scale and the Srole Scale as Predictors of Prejudice

(1961). Authoritarianism and Alienation: The F-Scale and the Srole Scale as Predictors of Prejudice. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 193-202.

Social Structure and Anomia in a Small City

Interest recently has been focused on Durkheim's concept of anomie and Merton's theory of social structure and anomie. Srole's scale of anomia has been utilized in several studies; some doubt remains regarding support for Merton's notions. The present study based on a survey of a small city replicates in part some of the earlier work and tests Merton's hypothesis. Significant associations are reported between Srole's anomia and social class, class identification, and formal and informal social participation. It is held that anomia is not peculiar to large urban environments. Finally, it is hypothesized that the relatively lower classes have a greater tendency to anomia due to socially structured differential access to supportive subsystems as well as the inaccessibility of means for the achievement of socially desired ends.

Anomie, Social Isolation, and the Class Structure

Several recent studies contain data which suggest that anomie, as measured by the Srole scale, is an important determinant of prejudice (7, 12, 13). It is less clear, however, as to what factor or factors may be important in producing anomie in an individual. Srole has found economic status to be negatively related to anomie, but other researchers interpret their data to the contrary.2 There remain, however, persuasive theoretical considerations which would lead one to contend with Merton that the strain toward anomie operates unevenly throughout the various segments of the social structure, with persons in low economic positions being characterized by personal demoralization or disorganization (6). Thus, one purpose of this paper is to bring a new set of data to bear on the hypothesis that economic status is an important determinant of anomie. A second purpose of the paper is to locate other factors which may be related to anomie. The most important of these considered here is social isolation, the hypothesis being that those persons who are relatively isolated are more likely to be anomic than persons who are less isolated. Participation in informal groups such as the neighborhood group, the kin group, the work group, and the friendship group as well as participation in formal groups can be expected to be inversely related to anomie in that the individual achieves through such participation not only close, intimate, and personally satisfying social relations, but also a sense of being a meaningful and effective part of the society. The third purpose of this paper is to relate both unit and personal measures of economic status to anomie. The economic characteristics of the neighborhood in which a person lives (a unit variable) is expected to affect his responses to the anomie scale even when his individual economic characteristics (a personal variable) are controlled.