Strain Theory Essay - 1361 Words

Robert Agnew is known for his general strain theory. The theory explains that the basis of people getting involved in criminal activity is because of strain. If someone becomes upset, frustrated, depressed, or mistreated they will turn to crime in order to deal with the feelings. Yet, not all people turn to crime in order to deal with strain or stressors. There are different ways to measure strain. Subjective strains are those strains that are disliked by particular person or group. This approached is aimed at how the person reacts to the way they are treated. The second approach is called the objective view. During this approach the researches will as individuals how much they would dislike a specific event. Strains come in three major†¦show more content†¦In fact, according to Cullen (2006), â€Å"A strain is more likely to be seen as severe if it is high in degree or size; it is frequent, recent, of long duration, and expected to continue in the future; it threatens the core goals, needs, values, activities, and/or identities of the individual† (p. 204). Moreover the presentation of negative stimuli can come from receiving negative treatment. For example, the individual has been abused by a love one either physically or sexually. â€Å"These bad feelings create pressure for corrective action; we want to do something so what we will not feel so bad† (Simpson, 2000, p.109). In consequence, the juvenile is more than likely to turn revenge and his actions will drive him to criminal activity. There are several ways to deal with the strain and negative emotions, many which include crime (Simpson, 2000). There are those vicarious stains that increase the likelihood of crime for many reasons (Cullen, 2006). The juvenile may try to get revenge, perhaps they are trying to prevent further harm from the perpetrator, or they anticipate future harm. Cullen (2006) states, â€Å" Anticipated strains refer to the individual’s expectation that his or her current strains will continue into the future or that new strains will be experienced† (p. 203). Particularly speaking about the physical assault, an individual may feel that he will be abuse in the future and will engage in crime because of strain. Another exampleShow MoreRelatedThe Structural Strain Theory Has Occurred1040 Words   |  5 Pagesmeans, the structural strain theory has occurred. A mismatch that occurs between legitimate means and socially-promoted goals has a typology of responses in the strain theory. Merton’s typology extends the functionalist perspective. He believed that larger deviancy rates were because of social conditions and the varying responses. One of the responses to social strain that accepts legitimate means of pursuing socially-promoted goals is conformity. Another response to social strain is ritualism. PeopleRead MoreCrime The ories: Strain Theory, Social Bond Theory, and Differential-Association Theory957 Words   |  4 Pageseven why something is. In the case of criminology the main question being asked is â€Å"why does crime occur?†, but some theories also attempt to answer another equally interesting question â€Å"if being a criminal is the easy choice, why are so many people law abiding?† in order to understand criminal behavior. In order for a hypothesis to be moved forward into the category of a theory it must first be tested, and those tests must be able to be reconfirmed. 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