Societal breakdown, also known as ANOMIE or anomy, is a term used to describe the breakdown of social norms and values in a society. It is often caused by rapid changes in a society, such as economic or political upheaval, and can lead to a decrease in social cohesion and an increase in crime and violence. ANOMIE is a French term that refers to a state of normlessness or lack of social norms, while anomy is a Greek term that refers to a state of lawlessness or lack of legal rules. Both terms are used to describe the same phenomenon.