Robert Merton’s Anomie/Strain Theory James King Jr. Savannah State University Theories of Criminal Behavior Prof. W. Brooks March 4‚ 2012 Since the beginning of mankind criminality has been a major problem and the most debated topic of interest by theorist on the grounds of why crime is committed‚ who is more prone to commit crime‚ and what prevents people from committing delinquent acts. The formulation of the Stain theory and Anomie Theory by Robert Merton give insight on the many question
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their surroundings cause strain in their life and force them to partake in illegal behavior. However‚ some of the actions taken are less serious than others like: a teen speeding on the street to make curfew or stealing from a store to pay your rent. The actions of speeding can have a dramatic effect such as getting pulled over for drunk driving and having your parents find out and making them miss bills due to bailing you out. These illegal actions taken were due to the strain put upon the individual
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discovered The General strain theory. The general strain theory of crime states strain or stress is a major source or criminal motivation. For a better understanding‚ this theory argues that crime is a result of frustration and anger of lower class caused by a strain between expectations and culture of living in a middle- class world and the reality that those expectations cannot be met. The general strain theory is deals more with the individual. Robert Agnew identified three types of strain that produce
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Individuals who experience these strains become upset‚ and they may turn to crime in an effort to cope. Crime may be a way to reduce or escape from strains. For example‚ individuals may steal the money they want or run away from the parents who abuse them. Crime may be used to seek revenge against the source of strain or related targets. For example‚ individuals may assault the peers who harass them. Crime also may be used to alleviate negative emotions; for example‚ individuals may engage in illicit
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sophisticated theories to explain why school shootings occur is a new area of research and before the 1990s‚ few theories on school rampage shootings existed (Rocque‚ 2012). In examining theories to address this health issue‚ consideration will be given to “Cumulative Strain Theory” to explain how school shootings occur and “Attachment Theory” to address the recovery of victimized youth in the wake of a school shooting. Cumulative Strain Theory. In 2009‚ Cumulative Strain Theory‚ which combines Strain Theory
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Strain Theory In accordance to experiencing strain or stress‚ people may become upset and sometimes engage in crime as a result to either cease or reduce the stress they are experiencing. For example they may steal to reduce financial stress or violence as revenge to those that have wronged them. There are two major types of strain that contribute to crime Others that prevent you from achieving your goals Others that take things you value or present negative stimuli Money is probably the most centralised
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Structural strain theory explains how society is organized‚ while stress theory explains how exposure to stressors and coping resources impacts an individual’s mental health. Structural strain focuses on the overall picture and stress theory focuses more on specific details. They key components of structural strain theory are social integration‚ social regulation‚ and social stratification. Social integration explains
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people commit crime in an effort to address it appropriately. There are many theories that have emerged from different perspectives of criminal behavior. Rational choice theory states that people generally act in their self-interest and make decisions to commit crime. This means that people are living in such a way that knowingly disobeys law and order while thinking of the consequences at hand. Social disorganization theory believes that a person’s social environment is responsible for their criminal
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Strain Theory in Relation to Crime Strain causes people to act against the law‚ breaking laws to attain their means. Merton’s theory on strain and anomie provides us with reasons for why the offender committed the crime break and enter. Merton’s strain theory shows us that the offender understood the norms of society but could not attain the means of it‚ he needed money go back to his girlfriend who was out west. Merton’s theory states that an individual who is lacking in social forms is more
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There are many criminological theories to explain why crime and criminals work the way they work. Five theories are fit into a majority of today’s crime cases are Anomie theory by Emile Durkheim‚ General strain theory by Robert Agnew‚ Social Disorganization theory by Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay‚ Social Bonding theory by Travis Hirschi‚ and the Containment theory by Walter Reckless. Anomie is when there is a clear lack of social norms and values. This is common among teens who grew up in a dysfunctional
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