Strain Theories in Criminology

Strain Theories

Overview of Strain Theories

• Strain theories examine the role of societal pressures in influencing criminal behavior.
• They are rooted in Durkheim’s concept of anomie, which refers to a state of normlessness in society.
• The theories highlight how the societal promise of achieving the “American Dream” can lead to crime when individuals feel they cannot achieve that dream.

Merton’s Strain Theory

• Core Concepts:

  • Inspired by Durkheim’s idea of anomie.
  • One of the most influential theories in criminology.
  • Suggests that societal emphasis on material success (e.g., wealth) over legitimate means leads to frustration.
  • Claims that society's rapid changes can disrupt regulatory controls, causing an imbalance of means and goals (anomie).

• Key Points:

  • Most individuals believe hard work will yield success, but this is not attainable for a large segment of the population, leading to strain.
  • The focus on material goals overshadows the importance of achieving them through conventional avenues.
  • As realization grows that the American Dream is inaccessible, individuals may resort to crime as an alternative means of achieving success.

Merton’s Deviance Typology

• Categories of Adaptation to Strain:
  1. Conformity: Accepting both the means and goals.
  2. Innovation: Accepting goals but rejecting means, leading to criminal activities (e.g., theft).
  3. Ritualism: Accepting means but rejecting goals, engaging in routine without hope of success.
  4. Retreatism: Rejecting both means and goals, often leading to withdrawal or substance abuse.
  5. Rebellion: Challenging established goals and means, proposing new ones (e.g., revolutionary movements).

Evidence for and Criticisms of Merton’s Strain Theory

• Support:

  • Some empirical studies show a link between poverty/deprivation and higher crime rates.
  • Consistent findings support the notion that areas facing more inequality experience more crime.

• Criticism:

  • Evidence does not consistently support that individuals with high aspirations and low expectations are more likely to offend, suggesting limitations in the theory's predictive capacity.

Cohen’s Theory of Lower-class Status Frustration and Gang Formation

• Core Idea:

  • Proposes that underclass youths experience status frustration from failures in academic and social spheres, leading to gang formation.

• Development of Values:

  • Gang members develop alternative value systems that oppose middle-class norms.
  • Engages three types of youth responses:
  • Delinquent boys: Forming groups that share similar strains and experiences, opposing conventional values.
  • College boys: Strive to overcome disadvantages through education.
  • Corner boys: Accept their lower status and make the best out of their situation.

Cloward and Ohlin’s Theory of Differential Opportunity

• Main Points:

  • Presumes shared belief in the American Dream among youth.
  • Suggests that blocked opportunities create frustration leading to criminality.

• Types of Gangs Formed:

  • Criminal Gangs: Operate in organized lower-class neighborhoods, providing avenues for criminal success.
  • Conflict Gangs: Arise in unstable neighborhoods with weak organization, often engaging in battles for territory.
  • Retreatist Gangs: Composed of individuals who fail in both conventional and criminal success; they often turn to substance abuse.

Agnew’s General Strain Theory

• Key Concepts:

  • Argues that all social classes experience strain in daily life.
  • Identifies categories of strain that provoke criminal behavior:
  1. Failure to achieve positively valued goals.
  2. Presentation of noxious stimuli (e.g., trauma, victimization).
  3. Removal of positively valued stimuli (e.g., loss of loved ones).

• Consequences of Strain:

  • Strain leads to stress and anger, which can propel individuals towards crime.
  • Those who find healthy outlets for their frustrations are less likely to offend; failing to do so increases crime likelihood.