Strain Theory I have chosen to write about Robert Merton’s Strain Theory. I find this theory particularly interesting‚ especially as it relates to crime and even education. As noted in our book Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials‚ the definition of strain theory is that people feel strain when they are exposed to cultural goals that they are unable to obtain because they do not have access to culturally approved means of achieving those goals (Kendall 164). For example‚ if your goal is obtaining
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Robert Agnew is a criminologist who 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
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individuals to either blend in the structure the society has to offer or else become an associate of deviance subculture in the endeavor to attain these goals. Merton termed this theory as Strain theories. These theories are amid the first candidly sociological explanation of the sources of deviant behavior. The theory seeks to in-depth and better understand deviance by centering on social patterns and structures that emerge as either groups or individuals react to conditions in which in the real
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An Overview of General Strain Theory Bryan S. In modern criminological research and debate‚ general strain theory (GST) remains at the forefront. The aim of this paper is to discuss general strain theory (GST)‚ what it is‚ and how it came to be. Details on specific research regarding general strain theory‚ however‚ lie beyond the scope of this writing. This paper will instead focus on GST’s place among other criminological theories‚ and why it stands where it is today. Therefore‚ to get a
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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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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
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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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reasons why juveniles commit crimes and act up. Some of these can be explained by theories or in other words educated guesses. Although theories are only educated guesses they can be used to decide why juvenile delinquents come through the court systems. Theories can be helpful in determining why children or teenagers become a criminal. It also helps to determine what can help deter crimes by juveniles. In this essay theories will be explained that could fit some of the children in the following case studies
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more commonly related to crime. However‚ during the late 1960s‚ Merton’s strain theory lose its appeal to discuss the cause of juvenile delinquency‚ until the 1990s‚ Agnew reformulated and regenerated in his theory. He has formulated a distinct theoretical perspectives based on Merton’s theory of anomie and strain‚ which termed as General Strain Theory. Apart from Merton’s strain of goals and means‚ his theory argued that strains might increase the possibility of individual’s negative emotions‚ such
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highlight the contribution of Merton’s strain theory to criminology. Robert K. Merton was an American sociologist that wrote in the 1930’s putting out his first major work in 1938 called Social Structure and Anomie. After publication‚ this piece was we worked and tweaked to counter criticisms. The importance of the time frame of which Merton initially began his work is significant‚ as during this time crime and the approach to crime was examined predominantly based on the individual and was explained
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