Final answer:
Anomie is the concept of social instability caused by erosion of standards and values, introduced by Durkheim. It is different from Marx's idea of alienation and Shaw and McKay's social disorganization theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept referred to as the loss of direction felt in a society when social control of individual behavior has become ineffective is known as anomie. This concept was first introduced by Durkheim. Anomie, literally 'without law,' describes a situation where society no longer has the support of a firm collective consciousness, with collective norms weakened. This phenomenon is particularly experienced during periods of social uncertainty, which could lead to social chaos and a downturn in the economy. However, as societies evolve and reach an advanced stage of organic solidarity, they manage to re-establish a set of shared norms to avoid the state of anomie.
Karl Marx's concept of alienation differs from anomie, describing the isolation of individuals from their society, work, or sense of self. Marx predicted that such alienation could lead to a class-conscious uprising against capitalist systems.
Furthermore, the social disorganization theory, developed by Shaw and McKay, asserts that crime occurs in communities where social ties are weak and social control is absent. Thus, the environment rather than innate tendencies drives individuals towards crime.