Agnew’s general strain theory is an extension on Merton’s strain theory. This theory argues there are three sources of strain: failure to achieve positive goals‚ introduction of negative stimuli‚ and the removal of positive stimuli. These sources and lead to an affective state classified by depression‚ anger‚ disappointment‚ and a withdrawn state. This can also lead to antisocial behaviors like drug and alcohol use‚ violence and dropping out of school. Agnew’s theory can be seen in Nicole’s scenario
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expecting so much from a person‚ it can create unnecessary pressure. “Merton’s theory blames deviance on society’s failures to provide all people with legitimate means to achieve success. This theory‚ explains the higher rates of robbery and theft among lower class people‚ who are pressured to commit crimes by their lack of good jobs and other legitimate means of success.” (Thio 174) Somewhat similar is the Power Theory‚ in which people who have more power are more likely to continue to gain more
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The GST states that stressors or strains increase the probability of negative emotions like frustration and anger in an individual. These “types of emotions tend to create pressure for counteractive action‚ and crime is one possible response” (Agnew 1992). The crime might be a technique for lessening strain‚ alleviating negative emotions or seeking revenge (e.g.‚ like bad grades). General strain theory (GST) builds on preceding strain theories in more than a few ways: the most notably‚
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Robert Agnew published the general strain theory of crime and delinquency in 1992 as an improvement upon previous strain theory arguments proposed by Merton (1938)‚ A. Cohen (1955)‚ and Cloward and Ohlin (1960). The general strain theory explains crime and delinquency at an individual level‚ with a particular focus in social-psychological factors in the individual’s life. Despite the individualized approach‚ general strain theory includes some discussions of implications on the macro-‚ or structural
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affects Hamlet’s actions‚ is that it directly correlates to Emile Durkheim’s theory on structural functionalism. It is a theory that studies our social structure and culture‚ and how they work together and affect us. Durkheim suggests that our social system is made up of a bunch of different parts and when one of these components gets taken away‚ we suffer and go into normlessness- which Durkheim refers to as anomie. Anomie is an indication of a loss of our sense of values and rules of conduct‚ creating
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Understanding the similarities of Strain Theory‚ & General Theory of Crime Angela Sampson # 2396467 Sociology 345: Social Control Professor: James Chriss Cleveland State University April 30th 2012 Abstract: The purpose is to identify the similarities between Strain theories‚ and General Theory of Crime. Strain was developed from the work of Durkheim and Merton and taken from the theory of anomie. Durkheim focused on the decrease of societal restraint and the strain that resulted at the
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Alienation and anomie It is interesting to compare Durkheim and Marx on their ideas about modern consciousness. Durkheim focused on social solidarity as one of the important functions of a social order: individuals had a defined place in the world that was created and reinforced by the social values of morality‚ religion‚ and patriotism. He observed that these strands of solidarity are stronger or weaker in different societies‚ and he also observed that some modern social forces tend to break down
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Strain theory applies because Jordan was under the impression he was being detached from the family or he was not given the attention he needed to receive. At the age of eleven‚ a young child is going through emotions and needs parental figures to provide unconditional
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Strain theory was introduced by sociologist Robert Merton‚ he thought that some societies may be set up to encourage deviance from societal norms. Merton thought when cultural goals placed too much pressure on the person to conform. The individual would be forced to work inside the structure that society has created or instead turn to become a follower of a deviant subculture to achieve their goals. The main concern was that certain societies were not providing the resources to achieve these societal
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Durkheim’s theory of crime is that crime is a naturally occurring phenomenon in all societies. Durkheim’s many meanings are confusing‚ but his research into suicide is where the term‚ anomie developed. There are many interpretations of Anomie and meanings. Anomie interpreted in the twenty-first century regarding criminal causation is a breakdown of an individual or group in society fraught
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