| Abstract: | Although there is an apparent lack of consensus about the nature and sources of "structural strain" in society, it is shown that the traditions represented by Marx, Durkheim, Merton, Cloward and Ohlin, and several "status discrepancy" theorists are at least partially reconcilable within the framework of reference group theory and structural balance theory. The resultant model, utilizing the ideas of "convergence" and "discrepancy" vis-à-vis a given reference group, is then applied as a basis for explaining variations in support for a college teachers' union. |
