Robert K. Merton Strain Theory Analysis

Theories regarding crime and criminal behavior are as numerous as they are varied. From criminological theories based around an individual’s biological make-up to theories revolving around external forces, such as societal or economic pressures; criminological theorists have found various different ways in which to explain criminal activities and behaviors. Perhaps one of the most interesting and impactful theories regarding crime is one that is known as strain theory, particularly the ideas discussed by theorist Robert K. Merton. Developed by theorist Robert K. Merton, strain theory looks at how an individual may turn to crime as a means of achieving goals that he/she has no legitimate means of achieving (Schmalleger, 2009). One of the most …show more content…
Merton identified five different modes or types of adaptation that an individual may fall into as a way of reaching society’s goals. The first one described by Merton is conformity or an individual that both accepts society’s goals and the has the legitimate means to achieve these goals readily available (Schmalleger, 2009). A person that falls into this category typically falls within the middle or upper class and has no reason of utilizing crime as a means of achieving his/her goals as he/she has the legitimate means available to him/her. These individuals typically further their education or have steady work available to them which allows for them to achieve the goals without turning to crime or criminal …show more content…
Agnew’s general strain theory looks at crime as being a coping mechanism to handle socioeconomic problems caused by negative relationships in one’s life (Schmalleger, 2009). According to Agnew’s theory, strain occurs in three different ways: being prevented from reaching one’s goals, the removal or threatened removed of a positive influence one possesses, and the introduction or threat to introduce negative stimuli into one’s life (Schmalleger, 2009). Starting with the first way Agnew theorized strain is created in one’s life, the prevention of reaching one’s goals through legitimate or positive means is a topic that was heavily discussed in Merton’s initial strain theory. One that does not have the ability to reach his/her goals legitimately, will of course look for alternative routes of achieving his/her goals which typically means he/she getting involved in criminal activities. This can manifest through drug dealing, or stealing as a means of relieving strain and getting closer to reaching one’s