The Strain Theory

By applying both classical and strain theory to the crime problem of drug trafficking we can identify and compare their strengths to evaluate which theory is more useful in explaining this crime. Starting with Classical theory, this theory holds some strengths in relation to this crime problem, namely, it’s easy applicability/transferability and the clear definiteness of their answers. Classical theory is able to provide definite answers and solutions to drug trafficking (i.e. it was individual A who committed the crime, the law violated in response to this crime is this, and the violation of this law carries the pre-determined punishment of this) without having to apply consideration for such variables as mitigating circumstances since the

Strain theories of criminal behaviour have been amongst the most important and influential in the field of criminology. Taking a societal approach, strain theories have sought to explain deficiencies in social structure that lead individuals to commit crime (Williams and McShane 2010). Strain theories operate under the premise that there is a societal consensus of values, beliefs, and goals with legitimate methods for achieving success. When individuals are denied access to legitimate methods for achieving success, the result is anomie or social strain. This often leads an individual to resort to deviant or criminal means to obtain the level of success that they are socialized to pursue. This is the basic premise of strain theory. This

This essay will outline how crime theories are able to assist in recognizing the causes of criminal activity, as well as demonstrating two criminological theories to two particular crimes. Overviews of trends, dimensions and victim/offenders characteristics of both crime groups will be specified. The two particular crimes that will be demonstrated throughout this essay are; Violent Crime (focusing on Assault) being linked with social learning theory and White Collar crime (focusing on terrorism) being linked to General Strain theory. In criminology, determining the motive of why people commit crimes is crucial. Over the years, many theories have been developed and they continue to be studied as criminologists pursue the best answers in eventually diminishing certain types of crime including assaults and terrorism, which will be focused on.

Causes of crime are arguably criminology’s most important and largest research topic. In this process of research, criminologists and academics have used numerous theories in attempts to explain how and why people resort to crime (Ellis, Beaver, Wright, 2009). The purpose of this paper is to examine a case study first with the use of strain theories (ST), followed by social learning theory (SLT). The first section will involve a summary of the case of R v Mark Andrew HUGHES (2009) NSWDC 404 involving an outline of the offender’s personal life, of his crimes, and his punishment handed down by

The strain theory is one of the first theories to draw attention to the social aspect of crime.

Exploring the role of negative emotions among murderers in a population of federal offenders: the General Strain Theory

Strain theory is described as the cause of crime due to the social class or environment in which a person grows up in. In our society, people strive to obtain wealth, education, materialistic possessions and power. Due to the environment lower social class people are born into, they are unable to obtain these aspirations through legal means. Feelings of frustration lead to strain and can cause these people to resort to external and illegal means to obtain these resources or lead them to abusing drug substances in an effort to feel better.

The proposal of Robert Agnew’s General Strain Theory in explaining criminal deviance is based on three concepts. The first concept is that people

Anomie theory posits that US society focus heavily upon monetary success, but places little emphasis upon how this success is obtained. Strain theory proposals a very similar concept, but focus upon smaller units within society. It argues that while everyone aims to reach the middle class standard of success, people in some groups will be unable to achieve it via legitimate channels. These theories suggest that people how commit crime are trying to accomplish the

In 1992, Robert Agnew wrote his now famous work the Foundation for a General Strain Theory of Crime and Delinquency, which focuses on the causes of delinquency, particularly strain and social control theories. Building on the Merton's traditional Stain Theory, and the single concept that strain refers to individuals that are unable to achieve their goals, Agnew goes on and refers to stain as also the "relationship in which others are not treating the individual as he or she would like to be treated" (1992, 48). In other words, Robert Agnew with his General Strain Theory, has sought to introduce a variety of other factors that can influence strain such as, the removal (or loss) of positive stimuli from an individual or environment, blocked opportunities, and the introduction of negative stimuli to an individual or into an environment; and the role such relationships represent concerning subsequent criminal activity and delinquency (Agnew, 1992). This can ultimately increase the possibility that an individual will experience one or more ranges of negative emotions connected with the three types of strain. According to Agnew (1992) disappointment, depression, and fear are mostly connected with the three type of strain, however anger is said to be the most dangerous emotional reaction for the purpose of the General Strain Theory.

The strain theory, developed by Robert K. Merton in 1957 is not only a criminology theory but it is a sociology theory as well stating that individuals do indulge in crimes because the society exerts pressure and puts a lot of strain on them while they are on the process of achieving socially acceptable goals. A good example of this socially acceptable goal is the American Dream whereas examples of crimes committed under strain theory include

The theoretical framework of strain theory can be credited to sociologist Emile Durkheim. Durkheim research on formed a platform for other sociologist to further develop strain theories of crime. One of which is Robert Merton. One of Durkheim’s major works that opened the door to further research on strain theories was his book, Suicide. In this book Durkheim sough to understand the why led to one’s own self-destruction. Emile Durkheim studied suicide rates and its association with crisis. Durkheim noticed trends in suicide rates that were associated with economic prosperity and economic crisis.

Each person at some point develops their own personal goals for their life. These goals can range anywhere from owning that perfect home with a white picket fence, becoming a famous artist or athlete, earning a degree and landing that dream job, or becoming a person of high social stature. These life goals can be a product of societal influences and expectations. However, what happens when these 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 goals can’t be achieved, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism, and Rebellion.

Often Agnew distinguishes between state anger and trait anger, with the former being the focus of his theory. Noxious events avoidance impacts the ability to maintain or come up with relationships, resulting in alternative reactions. An adverse environment perception will result in emotions that are strongly negative that motivate a person to engage in crime. Being involved in crime is sporadic according to Agnew, and the criminals would desist were it not for the persistent negative effect and events.

Strain theory is an occurrence within society where pressure to the juvenile to commit crimes, the juvenile is compelled remains in a specific settings like family and school. Therefore if said juvenile is experiencing pain or aversive it is hard for them to escape the situation. So to alleviate this discomfort they turn to crime, this mainly seen within the subculture of gangs (Agnew, 2012).