A multitude of research has been done proving that General Strain Theory is relatively successful in explaining individual differences in offenses, along with the many different demographics. General Strain theory explains the life pressures and strains that take a toll on individuals along their life course pressuring one to commit crime. Crime and violence is a common response to those who deal with the negative emotions of life’s stresses. The theory also takes a look at the factors that cause a person to commit a crime. There are numerous strains that lead to negative behavior patterns. Frustration, irritation and anger are shared emotions that individuals feel that may encourage one to commit a crime or act of violence in order to obtain
…show more content…
This theory argues that society may push beyond the limits of an individual in a way that encourages deviance. It is said that when societal norms, or socially accepted goals such as a college education or career status place pressure among someone they either have one of two options, to conform and work within the structure of society and or choose the route of deviance in an attempt to achieve those goals. Strains that possibly lead to crime were reviewed by Merton and later challenged by Agnew. “During 1938 Merton explained anomie as a disconnect between goals and means” (Moon, Blurton, and McCluskey 2008). Societal goals were viewed as wealth, success and power, but to socially obtain these goals it would take hard work and education. However it was difficult to do so along class lines, the reason for crime and deviance becoming an alternative method to success when individuals could not obtain goals through socially excepted means. Merton suggest that, “individuals feel the strain of being pressed to succeed in socially approved ways when they lack the tools necessary for such success” (Messener & Rosenfeld, 122). It is common to view a disconnection between goals which everyone yearns for but only few can obtain. Most commonly seen when class is divided and high class individuals …show more content…
As it was reviewed by the inability of an individual to achieve financial success. An example of Merton’s views would be: An individual that has recently been laid off of their job, and now with no income to support his family he has ventured off to robbing banks, and selling drugs. This illustrates a person who has had hardship and now unable to obtain monetary success has resulted in crime and deviance. As time progressed “forward during 1970 and 1980 evidence had challenged Merton’s theory, making his theory not as transparent” (Moon, Blurton, and McCluskey 2008). Later, Agnew presented his strain theory with more solid evidence on a micro-level relating to the
This theory argues that society may push beyond the limits of an individual in a way that encourages deviance. It is said that when societal norms, or socially accepted goals such as a college education or career status place pressure among someone they either have one of two options, to conform and work within the structure of society and or choose the route of deviance in an attempt to achieve those goals. Strains that possibly lead to crime were reviewed by Merton and later challenged by Agnew. “During 1938 Merton explained anomie as a disconnect between goals and means” (Moon, Blurton, and McCluskey 2008). Societal goals were viewed as wealth, success and power, but to socially obtain these goals it would take hard work and education. However it was difficult to do so along class lines, the reason for crime and deviance becoming an alternative method to success when individuals could not obtain goals through socially excepted means. Merton suggest that, “individuals feel the strain of being pressed to succeed in socially approved ways when they lack the tools necessary for such success” (Messener & Rosenfeld, 122). It is common to view a disconnection between goals which everyone yearns for but only few can obtain. Most commonly seen when class is divided and high class individuals …show more content…
As it was reviewed by the inability of an individual to achieve financial success. An example of Merton’s views would be: An individual that has recently been laid off of their job, and now with no income to support his family he has ventured off to robbing banks, and selling drugs. This illustrates a person who has had hardship and now unable to obtain monetary success has resulted in crime and deviance. As time progressed “forward during 1970 and 1980 evidence had challenged Merton’s theory, making his theory not as transparent” (Moon, Blurton, and McCluskey 2008). Later, Agnew presented his strain theory with more solid evidence on a micro-level relating to the