Strain Theory Crime
Strain Theory and Crime
Metropolitan State University
Allison Schaber
Abstract
Strain theory focuses primarily on socially defined goals and the permissible modes to achieve the goals. The theory attributes delinquency and crime as a response to the pressure of social instability created when there is difficulty attaining the goal or the goal becomes an end in itself. The early development of strain theory examined the social structure at a macro-level and related anomie while later studies on strain theory resulted in general strain theory, which emphasized individuals and their direct social environment. Several empirical studies on strain theory including, generalized strain theory and their components are reviewed within this paper. Lastly, a theoretical framework of general strain theory will be applied to an existing criminal justice program to make the program more effective.
Robert Merton (1938) developed strain theory which examined defined goals, modes to achieve said goals, and the strain created when people could not achieve the goal thus resulting in anomie. Anomie is social instability resulting from the breakdown of standards and values (Merriam-Webster, 2016). Merton (1938) defined the social structure as …show more content…
Devaluation of the education system is demonstrated when teachers are paid less than other professions and students work instead of going to school (Messner and Rosenfeld, 2013). The family system is devalued through low compensation of child care workers and Messner and Rosenfeld noted in their work remarks made by Kelly Campbell, a former president of the International Nanny Association, “until we get to the point where we value our children as much as our material possessions, we’re going to have problems with child care” (pg.
Metropolitan State University
Allison Schaber
Abstract
Strain theory focuses primarily on socially defined goals and the permissible modes to achieve the goals. The theory attributes delinquency and crime as a response to the pressure of social instability created when there is difficulty attaining the goal or the goal becomes an end in itself. The early development of strain theory examined the social structure at a macro-level and related anomie while later studies on strain theory resulted in general strain theory, which emphasized individuals and their direct social environment. Several empirical studies on strain theory including, generalized strain theory and their components are reviewed within this paper. Lastly, a theoretical framework of general strain theory will be applied to an existing criminal justice program to make the program more effective.
Robert Merton (1938) developed strain theory which examined defined goals, modes to achieve said goals, and the strain created when people could not achieve the goal thus resulting in anomie. Anomie is social instability resulting from the breakdown of standards and values (Merriam-Webster, 2016). Merton (1938) defined the social structure as …show more content…
Devaluation of the education system is demonstrated when teachers are paid less than other professions and students work instead of going to school (Messner and Rosenfeld, 2013). The family system is devalued through low compensation of child care workers and Messner and Rosenfeld noted in their work remarks made by Kelly Campbell, a former president of the International Nanny Association, “until we get to the point where we value our children as much as our material possessions, we’re going to have problems with child care” (pg.