Strain Theory Case Study

The theory that can best explain Colton Harris- Moore’s behavior is Strain theory. Strain is the disjunction of goals and means. People commit deviant acts when they are denied the means of success. Merton (the father of strain theory) categorized people into five general categories (conformist, ritualists, innovators, retreatists, and rebels) with regards to their relationship to culturally accepted goals and the means to achieving those goals (Crossman, n.d.). When it comes to Colton and his case, he would be considered and innovator. Since Colton grew up in a run down trailer with an alcoholic mother who reported not having much money, and an absent father made it even harder for Colton to gain the means of success.
According to the categories