Strain Theory in criminology examines how societal pressures can lead to deviant behavior when individuals face a gap between goals and means. It builds on Durkheim's Anomie and is expanded by Merton and Agnew, who provide a framework for understanding criminal motivations and the impact of structural inequalities on crime.
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Emile Durkheim's concept of Anomie is the foundation of Strain Theory
Five modes of adaptation
Robert K. Merton's typology identifies five modes of adaptation to societal pressures
Robert Agnew's General Strain Theory expands on Merton's ideas by including strains from interpersonal conflicts and traumatic experiences
The core tenet of Strain Theory is that societal norms influence individual aspirations
Strain occurs when individuals feel pressure to achieve culturally endorsed goals but lack legitimate means to do so
The nature and extent of deviant behavior are influenced by individual traits and environmental circumstances
Merton's typology identifies five modes of adaptation to societal pressures, including conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion
Agnew's theory identifies three primary types of strain: inability to achieve goals, loss of positive stimuli, and introduction of negative stimuli
Strain Theory can help explain behaviors such as panic buying and hoarding during the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of Merton's 'innovation' mode of adaptation
Stress can lead to strain, which may result in deviant behavior
Forensic psychologists use the relationship between stress and strain to understand the psychological motivations behind criminal behavior
Social and Structural Strain Theories investigate societal and structural forces that can induce strain and lead to deviant behavior
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______ Theory investigates the link between social pressure and ______ behavior, stemming from Durkheim's idea of ______.
Strain
deviant
Anomie
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The concept that criminal acts may arise when there's a gap between societal goals and the ______ means to reach them was expanded by ______ K. Merton.
legitimate
Robert
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Strain Theory: Individual Aspirations' Source
Society's cultural norms shape individual aspirations.
