of Howard Becker who looked at the labelling theory, Merton’s strain theory and victimology theories in order to compare and contrast three different criminological theories. It will focus on similarities and differences and some contradictions which my lie in these theories as well. Robert Agnew’s strain theory states that there are many strains and stresses in ones lives which could influence the likelihood of one committing a crime. The strain theory suggests there are two main factors that could…

and brutally murdered 3 RCMP officers. In the aftermath of this shocking crime, criminologists ask themselves two questions: why did this happen, and even more importantly, how can we prevent it from happening again? Hirschi’s Control Theory and Merton’s Strain Theory suggest that Bourque’s failure to properly bond with our society and his inability to succeed within it directly led to the most extreme form of social deviance: murder. Considered one of the worst crimes in Canadian history (The Canadian…

goals seem to be unachievable for a person? The strain theory that was developed by Robert Merton sheds light onto a possible answer for that question. The strain theory suggests that people put emphasis on achieving certain life goals or obtaining certain objects in their lives due to societal influences and pressures. When those goals or objects can’t be obtained stress is caused and it can influence more people to commit crimes. The strain theory separates people into four different paths when these…

Merton’s Strain Theory is one of the most prevalent theories to society. Merton’s theory states that people commit crimes due to strains in life. These strains can be due to financial issues, school, family issues, etc. These strains can be essentially from anything. This theory is expressed through pop culture in film, music, TV, and even the news. You can see how strains can lead individuals to do things that they otherwise, when rationally thinking, would not do. These things can be as petty…

Strain Theory-Susan Smith In 1995, a very heinous, mysterious crime was committed the murder of two innocent boys by their mother. This crime was thought to be completely unexplainable. This mother convinced America that a black man had stole her car and kidnapped her children. Little did we know this suicidal woman would be capable of committing such a crime. There are many theories that you can apply to this case. However the theory that fits it most closely is the general strain theory. The General…

shooting himself in the head. The theory that could most likely explain what happened beyond this act would be the strain theory. The strain theory was formulated by Robert K. Merton. Merton argued that “society may be set up in a way that encourages too much deviance” (Study.com). Merton also believed there was “a disjunction between socially approved means to success and legitimate cultural goals” (Study.com). Lanza corresponds into this particular theory because he had been a troubled person…

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…

Robert Merton: Strain Theory Lashaya B. Jenae B. Raykyle H. Dominique W. Lidiya Y. Morgan State University Sociology 331-001 03/05/2015 Robert K. Merton developed the structural strain theory as an extension of the functionalist perspective on deviance. This theory traces the origins of deviance to the tensions that are caused by the gap between cultural goals and the means people have available to achieve those goals (Crossman…

Meyer R. Scholnick also known as Robert King Merton was born on the 4th of July 2010 in Philadelphia in a Jewish family from Russia that immigrated to the United States of America. He took advantage of the culture riches surrounding him by frequenting nearby cultural and educational venues when he was in High School. Merton's numerous childhood encounters composed a basis for his theory of social structure. The field of criminology and criminal justice has employed many of Merton’s prominent concepts…

I have selected Robert Merton’s Strain theory and Edwin Sutherlands Differential Association theory and their approach to the study of crime for my essay. Robert Merton developed the theory that people engage in deviant behaviour when they can’t achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means. Deviance is a result of the strain an individual feels when they cannot achieve legitimately. Merton uses “The American Dream” to illustrate strain theory. Merton’s explanation is in two pieces; Structural…