Strain Theory

Strain theory states that the experience of strains or stressors increases the likelihood of crime. Strains refer to events and conditions that are disliked by individuals. Examples include the inability to achieve valued goals, such as economic success; breakup with a romantic partner; and verbal and physical abuse. Individuals sometimes turn to crime in an effort to cope with their strains. For example, they sell illicit drugs or engage in prostitution in an effort to achieve their economic goals. Strain theory describes those types of strains most likely to lead to crime, the reasons why strains lead to crime, and the factors that influence the effect of strains on crime.

The initial versions of strain theory, such as that of Robert Merton, focused on that type of strain involving [Page 904]the inability to achieve economic success. Merton argued that all people in the United States are encouraged to pursue the goal of economic success, but many people—particularly lower-class people—are unable to achieve this goal through legal channels. More recent versions of strain theory examine other types of strains, with Robert Agnew's version of strain theory being the most general.

Agnew focuses on three major types of strains: (1) the inability to achieve positively valued goals, including economic, autonomy, and masculinity goals; (2) the loss of valued possessions and relationships, such as the death of a close friend; and (3) the experience of noxious events and conditions, such as being bullied at school. Agnew argues that strains are especially likely to result in crime if, among other factors, they are serious and seen as unjust. For example, individuals are more likely to respond with crime if they are subject to an unprovoked punch by another versus an accidental bump while walking down the street.

Research suggests that several strains increase the likelihood of crime, including the inability to achieve goals; parental rejection; harsh or erratic parental discipline; child abuse and neglect; partner abuse; negative school experiences, such as low grades; chronic unemployment; work in low-paying, dead-end jobs with unpleasant working conditions; homelessness; peer abuse; criminal victimization; and experiences with prejudice and discrimination.

The experience of strains increases the likelihood of crime for several reasons. Strains contribute to a range of negative emotions, such as anger, frustration, and depression. These emotions create pressure for corrective action, and crime is one possible response. Crime may allow people to reduce or escape from their strains. For example, individuals may engage in theft to achieve their economic goals or they may run away to escape abuse by their parents. Crime may allow people to seek revenge against the source of their strains or other targets. For example, individuals may assault the peers who insult or bully them. And crime may allow individuals to alleviate their negative emotions. For example, individuals may use illicit drugs in an effort to make themselves feel better.

Strains may also lead to crime because they reduce the individual's ties to conventional others and institutions. Individuals who are mistreated by their parents, for example, may come to dislike their parents. And individuals who receive low grades in school may come to care little about school. People with weak ties to conventional others and institutions have less to lose by engaging in crime. Further, strains may increase crime by fostering beliefs favorable to crime. Individuals who are regularly bullied by others, for example, may come to believe that violence is justified if one is provoked. Finally, strains may increase crime by causing individuals to associate with other criminals, who encourage and reinforce crime. Individuals who cannot achieve their economic goals through legal channels, for example, may join criminal gangs in an effort to make money through illegal channels—such as selling drugs.

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