General strain theory

Strain theory argues that people may turn to deviance when they experience

pressure, stress, or blocked opportunities

under strain theory, drug use maybecome a way to

cope with stress, escapism, manage negative emotions, deal with failure or frustration

what is strain?

pressure or stress that

makes it difficult for people to achieve

valued goals or live stable lives.

who developed strain theory

robert k merton

Robert Merton argued that society

encourages people to pursue success, but not everyone has equal access to legitimate means.

the gap between goals and opportunities can

create strain

5 responses to societal strain

Conformity – accepts both the goals and means of society

Innovation – accepts the goals of society but rejects the means

Ritualism – rejects the goals but continues to follow the means

Retreatism – rejects the goals and means of society

Rebellion – rejects the goals and means of society and attempts to replace them with new ones

M. believed the idea of society is only possible bc most people are

conformists

Agnew expanded strain theory by

Focusing on negative experiences and emotions. The resulting strains may produce anger, frustration, anxiety, or depression

Drug use may become a coping strategy when

people experience strain

Strain often creates negative emotions, which may

increase the risk of drug use, especially when healthy resources are limited

How does strain theory explain why some people do not use drugs

protective factors such as familiar support or positive peer groups

What are the policy implications of strain theory?

reducing drug use requires reducing sources of stress and blocked opportunities

What does strength theory help explain

why stress matters, why drug use may be a coping response, why inequality can shape drug problems, why treatment and support may be better than punishment alone

limits of strain theory

strain theory does not fully explain why some people use drugs without major strain. Why some strain individuals do not use drugs. biological addiction, peer influence, drug availability, recreational drug use