Two of the major criminological theories of the 20th century are Merton's tension/anomie theory and Shaw and McKay's social disorganization theory. Both theories were very important in their time and still influence theorizing today. This article will discuss both theories and highlight the similarities and differences. Robert Merton created his theory of deformation/anomie with great influence from Emile Durkheim's theory of anomie. Durkheim said that anomie is the “absence of norms or deregulation” of society. One of Durkheim's major points on which Merton focused his theory is that "Western society has placed emphasis on 'achieving industrial prosperity' without paying corresponding attention to restraining the appetite for achievement people. » (Lilly, Cullen and Ball, p. 65) Merton focused the theory of tension/anomie on the concept of the “American dream”. He advances the argument that society encourages everyone to seek economic and material success at all costs. When people fail to achieve their goals of success through legitimate means, that is when crime occurs. The institutionalized “norms” of society weaken as people are forced to turn to illegitimate means. One of the key points of Merton's theory is that "the disjuncture between what the culture advocates and what the social structure makes possible consequently places large segments of the American population in the tension-producing position of desiring a goal." which they cannot reach by conventional means.” means… This produces intense pressure for deviation. (Lilly, Cullen, & Ball, p. 65) A major problem is that opportunities to achieve these financial goals are not equal or easily accessible. Merton explains: "Social structure limits access to the goal of success through... middle of paper ... society, regardless of economic class, conforms to the idea of ​​pursuing the American dream . In contrast, Shaw and McKay's social disorganization theory asserts that crime and deviance are rooted in urban slums. This theory believes that the middle class lives by a strong set of conventional values ​​and that these values ​​are rejected by the lower class. In conclusion, the theories of tension/anomie and social disorganization are both very important theories in explaining the causes of crime and deviance. Today, many theorists rely heavily on these theories. As crime and society continue to evolve, these theories will continue to provide a solid foundation for future theories created. Works Cited Lilly, JR, Ball, RA and Cullen, FT (2011). Criminological theory: context and consequences. Los Angeles, California, United States: Sage.