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 These sources and lead to an affective state classified by depression‚ anger‚ disappointment‚ and a withdrawn state.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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In the field of criminology‚ social learning theories and anomie/strain theories make up a good chunk of the most well-known theories in this discipline. Social learning theories discuss how criminal behavior is learned through interactions‚ knowledge‚ and values. It discusses how criminal behavior is a set of general needs‚ but it also recognizes that all behaviors have a similar foundation. Anomie/strain theories focus on how anomie is a sense of normalness and without said normalness a person’s
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Merton used Durkheim’s concept of anomie to form his own theory‚ called Strain Theory. Merton argued that anomie is not created by dramatic social change‚ but rather by a social structure that holds the same goals to all its members without giving them equal means to achieve them. Merton stated that all members of a capitalist society have goals such as "wealth‚ status and personal happiness"‚ (Merton‚ 1938) and that the means available to achieve this success are unevenly distributed throughout
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Strain theory was originally pioneered by Robert K. Merton and it was later expanded on by Robert Agnew. Merton’s strain theory argues that individuals engage in deviant or criminal behavior when they cannot achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means (Merton‚ 1938). Essentially‚ deviance is the result of the strain that individuals feel from not being able to achieve their goals through legitimate means. Merton used the American Dream ideology to explain his theory. For example‚ the American
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General strain theory was meant to explain that stress caused crime‚ that crime was sort of a coping mechanism for stress. The main propositions of Agnew’s general strain theory were that there were three types of stain that produced deviance: Failure to achieve positively valued goals‚ removal of positively valued stimuli‚ and confrontation with negative stimuli. Removal of positively valued stimuli refers to stress of adolescents caused by loss of a person or thing of great worth‚ such as‚ the
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1. Name and outline one theory of social change. The Conflict Theory of social change centers upon the premise that radical change in society is constant and inevitable‚ as existing social conditions will always contain the beginnings for a different future. The conflict theory has its origins in the writings of Karl Marx. Working in the late nineteenth century‚ Marx believed that all societies were primarily influenced by their economic base‚ and specifically by the relationships that exist between
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The strain theory states that deviance is more likely to occur when a gap exists between cultural goals and the ability to achieve these goals by legitimate means. To get a decent job in today’s society requires a college degree. The average four year degree is almost $10‚000 just for tuition. We are expected to start school at a young age‚ keep up with homework‚ extracurricular activities‚ chores‚ and keep a job to pay for future expenses. It is extremely hard to earn enough money to pay for your
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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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This is a perfect theory for white collar crimes. Most white collar crimes occur because they want that sense of accomplishment. Strain theory has five terms‚ but two of the terms could help define people that commit these crimes. The two terms are innovation and rebellion. People that innovate pursue goals they cannot reach through
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The concept behind strain theory is that when there’s a gap between what society wants such as wealth or success and the means to these things are difficult‚ individuals might feel strained and feel the need to use shortcuts to obtain these riches in life. This tension could result in deviant actions because people are attempting to reach these desired objectives using unorthodox or non-accepted means. This strain is caused by individuals’ inability to achieve their
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