THE STRAIN THEORY

Student name:

JUST F251X

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 THE STRAIN THEORY

The strain theory depicts that we humans are inherently good. We are noble in the fact

that in our primitive state, we are social and we like each other. The only way we betray our

social nature is if we are undergoing strain or stress. The strains attract. These stressors are the

ones that trigger the possibility of us committing a crime. We find that by committing a crime we

find a way to vent the negative emotions that are arising from the strain source. These sources of

stress are found in our normal day to day lives. The paper, therefore, takes a closer look at strain

theory of causation, with the intent to discuss the general strain theory, examples of strain theory,

the causes of strain theory, the sources of general strain theory, and how to combat strain theory.

Also, the readings discuss a recent strain theory within our setting.

Discussion.

Merton’s strain theory idealized the American dream. He saw it as a clear example in the

fact that it idealized success but did not provide the means for individuals to achieve this success.

He saw that everybody wanted success but there were limiting factors towards the achievement

of that success. The strain theory thus takes into account the common aspects of our everyday

life. These are social class, our goals as well as future expectations.

Causes of the strain theory

The strain theory has three causative agents, according to Agnew, Robert, and Timothy

(2010). Agnew clarified that general strain theory can occur when eliminating positive instincts,

failure to accomplish a goal, and the existence of violent instincts.

Different people have different ways of dealing with strain.Some deal with it through

comformity, this means the individuals accept and pursue the goals that society has set for them
through the socially acceptable means.they use lawful means so as to achieve the goals that are

presently set.Other individuals deal with strain through innovation,this means that they have

accepted the goals that society has put in placeut their way of achieving these goals differs with

the set standards.

The next way of dealing with strain is with ritualism where one accepts the means put in

place to achieve success but rejects the culturalized goals.meaning they repeat the same daily

tasks but have no interest in achieving the set goals.Another way of dealing with strain is

retreatism.Such a person rejects the set goals and the conventional methods of achieving these

goals.they hide from society and live in their own small bubble.

Finally there is rebellion.where one rejects the cultural goals and the institutionalized

means.

When individuals undergo a strain such as such as lack of finances then they will

search for a way to overcome the strain they are experiencing. To do this they will result

to a solution such as robbery or any other action that will help them overcome the strain.

At this point they do not consider the law of the land and thus they will commit crimes

just to elope from the strain.

Another good example is with young drug addicts. Majority of the population

have gone through school. They then study so as to get a better life. With the completion

of their studies, some lack jobs and end up frustrated. The negative emotions arising from

their strains compel them to find a way in which they can overcome. They find the
 solution to their problems in drugs. The drugs make them feel better a thus they

overcome the strain (Lanier, Henry, & Anastasia2018).

The stressors attract negative sentiments such as anger and frustration, and committing a crime

may help escape from a strain or seek vengeance from the strain source. Stressors can be sourced

from our everyday lives, including lack of adequate income, high cost of living, drug addiction,

among others. Compared to Merton’s theory, strain theory focuses on the general aspects such as

goal setting, social class, and future expectations rather than money Merton discusses.

theory has led to increased crimes, lack of jobs for the youths being a primary factor.

However, strain theory and its effects need to be combated in full war gear:

1. Offering quality education on marketable skills can get them off the streets to factories,

hence low crime rates (Adler & Laufer1995).

2. Counseling should be provided to individuals fighting stress and depression to avoid

strains and their dire consequences (Burton & Cullen1992).

3. Parents should attend to their children’s mental health before losing them to these social

stressors (Kubrin, Stucky, & Krohn2009)

References
Adler, F., & Laufer, W. S. (1995). The legacy of anomie theory: Advances in

criminological

theory. New Brunswick (USA): Transaction Publishers.

Agnew, Robert, and Timothy Brezina. 2010. Strain theories. In Sage handbook of criminological

theory. Edited by Eugene McLaughlin and Tim Newburn. London: SAGE.

Burton Jr, V. S., & Cullen, F. T. (1992). The empirical status of strain theory. Journal of

Crime

and Justice, 15(2), 1-30.

Kubrin, C. E., Stucky, T. D., & Krohn, M. D. (2009). Researching theories of crime and

deviance. Oxford University Press, USA.

Lanier, M. M., Henry, S., & Anastasia, D. J. (2018). Essential criminology. Routledg