Merton's Strain Theory Of Crime

The readings in module three discuss many different theories for crime. Some of the theories place a lot of emphasis on education and economics and how much or little of each could affect crime in a society. While other theories focus on social norms and the morals and values of groups of people in society (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 103). Andre-Michel Guerry found that property crime was more prevalent in wealthy communities. This is believed because wealthy people have more to steal than someone in a poor neighborhood (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 105). However, he also found violent crimes were more likely in poor neighborhoods (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 105). Adolphe-Quetelet found that young men who were poor, uneducated and unemployed were more likely to …show more content…
110). To him anomie is too much focus on the goal of wealth but not the means to achieve that goal (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 114), (Cloward, 1959, p. 166-167). Merton believes that in an ideal society there would be equal emphasis on the goal and a realistic way to achieve those goals. Merton came up with five modes of adaptation which included conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 113), (Merton, 1938, p. 676). Conformity is someone who will achieve his or her dreams through hard work. Innovation is someone who finds alternative measures to achieve their goals even if that means criminal activity. Ritualism is someone who will accept they will not achieve their goals by will continue to work hard regardless. Retreatism is someone who withdraws from society and turns to things like drugs to escape. Lastly, rebellion is someone who will try to change society through politics or another form of macro changes (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 113) There are many critics to this ideal though; many say that this made sense during the great depression but not some much now (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 114). Others say this is too broad and focuses more on society and not individual reason why someone might commit crime (Tibbetts, 2012, p. …show more content…
120), It is suppose to show how relationships can lead to criminal behavior (Agnew, 1992, p. 48). This theory believes there are two ways for strain to occur, either from failure to achieve goals, or from the removal of positive stimuli (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 121), (Agnew, 1992, p. 48-49). However, that does not always lead to the criminal behavior you would also need to have anger and lack of coping skills to ultimately lead to criminal behavior (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 121). It is believed that adolescence are more vulnerable to criminal behavior because they are more affected by emotions such as anger (Agnew, 1992, p.