anomie and strain theories pt 2 (feb 25)

robert agnew

professor emeritus, Emory University

general strain theory

lead academic: agnew (1992)

how people experience strain on a day in and day out basis

micro-level theory of crime

agnew’s 3 major types of “strain”

1. inability to reach positively valued goals

2. removal of positively valued stimuli and/or…

3. introduction of negatively valued stimuli

inability to reach valued goals, no positive valued stimuli, intro to negatively valued stimuli

what are agnew’s 3 major types of “strain”?

direct, vicarious, anticipated

3 ways strain is experienced

direct

one way to experience strain. there is subjective and objective.

sub: Individually experienced; Based on individual perception, where someone may find a situation stressful even if others wouldn't.  (e.g., perspective is reality…)

obj: : “Universally stressful”; Based on a general consensus, where most people would consider a situation as stressful or negative (e.g., violence, death of a loved one, etc.)

Vicarious

one way to experience strain.

witnessing others strain(s)

Anticipated

one way to experience strain.

risk &/or fear of possible strain(s)

criminal coping

where Crime “may” be used as a coping mechanism, but…  It is one of many adaptations to strain(s)

high negative emotions (i.e. frustration and anger)

what does agnew argue strain leads to? (hint: NOT CRIME)

access to legitimate coping mechanisms, internal constraints, external constraints

what Agnew argues lowers (↓) criminal coping risk or likelihood?

Exercise, sports, prayer, meditation, music, etc.

what are some potential access to legitimate coping mechanisms

beliefs, self‐control, & self‐efficacy

what are some Internal constraints

Peers, family, teachers, coaches, etc.

what are some external constraints

looking for an outlet to feel better

Strain Factors, conditioning factors (individual and social factors)

what Agnew argues increases (↑) criminal coping risk or likelihood?