The Strain Theory Of Bonnie And Clyde

Strain theory was developed by Robert K. Merton, Merton believed there was a disjunction between socially approved means to success and legitimate cultural goals. This belief leads him to document and establish a theory to explain the different reactions and behaviors exhibited by those in response to societal pressures, strain theory isn’t a perfect application to my subjects Boone and Clyde, though it does explain some of the actions taken by the couple. Clyde Barrow had many issues in society, due to his criminal record and encounters with law enforcement officials. The actions taken by Bonnie and Clyde are understood when examining their actions from the perspective of Robert Merton. According to Robert Merton’s Typology, Bonnie and Clyde would have been classified in the Rebellion typology. Individuals in the rebellion typology are those chose to rebel against established social and societal norms.

Strain Theory is viable option to explain some of the actions taken by many during periods of hard times, especially in the Great Depression Era, where millions of people were losing everything. Due to the strain experienced because of the economic collapse put on their families, many individuals had turned to criminal behavior. Many of those who choose to engage in deviant …show more content…
However, the actions of Bonnie and Clyde still caught the attention of state and local official, which had decided that Bonnie and Clyde was too dangerous to continue to live. The person who assisted in the plot was a member of the family of a gang member. The terms of the deal were that in exchange for leniency on the sentencing of one of the younger members of the Barrows gang, he would agree to help the officials apprehend the