Strain Theories Notes

Merton’s Strain Theory:

• Originates from Durkheim’s anomie; focused on the American Dream where success through hard work is emphasized.

• Poor have limited opportunities, causing strain and frustration due to disparity between material goals and conventional means.

• Rapid societal changes can lead to crime.

Merton's Deviance Typology:

• Conformity: Accepts goals/means.

• Innovation: Accepts goals, rejects means.

• Ritualism: Rejects goals, accepts means.

• Retreatism: Rejects both.

• Rebellion: Establishes new means/goals.

Evidence and Criticisms:

• Mixed empirical support; poverty is linked to crime but not as strongly as Merton theorized.

Cohen’s Theory:

• Explains gang formation from status frustration in lower-class youth who reject middle-class norms. Responses include:

  • Delinquent boy: forms groups.

  • College boy: strives for success.

  • Corner boy: accepts low status.

Cloward and Ohlin’s Theory:

• Assumes belief in the American Dream; blocked opportunities lead to different gangs:

  • Criminal gangs in organized areas.

  • Conflict gangs in unstable neighborhoods.

  • Retreatist gangs failing in all pursuits.

Agnew’s General Strain Theory:

• Relevant to all classes experiencing daily frustrations. Types of strain include:

  • Failure to achieve goals.

  • Exposure to negative stimuli.

  • Loss of valued stimuli.

• Increased anger leads to a higher propensity for crime if not managed.