This paper examines strain theories and its relationship to the field of criminology. Durkheim proposed about a quick change in society, but he moved his concentration from society to neighborhoods. Robert K. Merton adapted Durkheim’s idea, but he also moved away from society and neighborhood. Instead, he suggested that crime comparatively varies with social classes in American societies. In low social class, there is a high rate of crime. He used “social structural strain” to explain social conditions and those termed as “Strain Theories”. The theories explain that social structures may put pressure on individuals to commit crimes. The strain is structural and the strain effects vary with individual need and goal. Strain can be an experience
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Agnew expanded the scope of strain theories. He discovered the strain theory from a different perspective that added a goal other than money.
He considered a person 's position from her/his social class, goals for future and associations with criminal others. The idea is when people are treated badly by the society; they may get strain and commit a crime. When this theory was applied, the study showed that individuals will be more likely to hurt during times of high strain. The general strain theory does not test the society as a whole: instead it looks at the individual relationship of a person 's life. The desire of a good quality life can be somewhat relative based on the situations. Strain comes into play when these expectations are not met. When objectives are high and individuals do not get success. They may feel the strain. That kind of strain leads to crime.
Emile Durkheim tested anomie as the breaking point of American society to control the natural desire of individuals. In 1938, Merton suggested that the desires of individuals are not “natural”, but …show more content…
He suggested social class from an individual perspective not society as a whole. According to him, a person can have a social class. If a person treated badly, she/he gets hurt and involve in crime. Andrew 's theory describes an individual 's frustration when his/her goals are not achieved. Often strain is measured indirectly in terms of the disjunction between desire and intentions to achieve it. Andrew measured dissatisfaction with the financial class of the society. He draws classic strain theory to find out the reason behind dissatisfaction. The test was done on adults in Cincinnati which showed that dissatisfaction is highest among considerable unprivileged individuals and those who expect a lot of money, have fewer expectations for making a lot of money, and feel relatively strain. Furthermore, dissatisfaction has a positive impact on both income-generating crime and drug use. This impact is the strongest amount those individuals who are surrounded by criminals such as criminal friends and beliefs conducive to
Agnew expanded the scope of strain theories. He discovered the strain theory from a different perspective that added a goal other than money.
He considered a person 's position from her/his social class, goals for future and associations with criminal others. The idea is when people are treated badly by the society; they may get strain and commit a crime. When this theory was applied, the study showed that individuals will be more likely to hurt during times of high strain. The general strain theory does not test the society as a whole: instead it looks at the individual relationship of a person 's life. The desire of a good quality life can be somewhat relative based on the situations. Strain comes into play when these expectations are not met. When objectives are high and individuals do not get success. They may feel the strain. That kind of strain leads to crime.
Emile Durkheim tested anomie as the breaking point of American society to control the natural desire of individuals. In 1938, Merton suggested that the desires of individuals are not “natural”, but …show more content…
He suggested social class from an individual perspective not society as a whole. According to him, a person can have a social class. If a person treated badly, she/he gets hurt and involve in crime. Andrew 's theory describes an individual 's frustration when his/her goals are not achieved. Often strain is measured indirectly in terms of the disjunction between desire and intentions to achieve it. Andrew measured dissatisfaction with the financial class of the society. He draws classic strain theory to find out the reason behind dissatisfaction. The test was done on adults in Cincinnati which showed that dissatisfaction is highest among considerable unprivileged individuals and those who expect a lot of money, have fewer expectations for making a lot of money, and feel relatively strain. Furthermore, dissatisfaction has a positive impact on both income-generating crime and drug use. This impact is the strongest amount those individuals who are surrounded by criminals such as criminal friends and beliefs conducive to