(O’Grady, 2014) This specific theory applies to Bourque’s crime as he was not bonded properly to society in his childhood, thereby making it more likely that his egocentric impulses would be prominent. Merton’s Strain Theory suggests that society has culturally defined goals and institutionalized means to achieve them; if you don’t follow the means to achieve the culturally acceptable goal, you’re demonstrating deviant behaviour that is not to be tolerated. (O’Grady, 2014) This theory applies well to Bourque’s crime due to his demeanour and attitude towards authoritative an government figures as well as his rejection of wealth.
Using both Hirschi’s Control Theory and Merton’s Strain Theory, it can be established that a lack of familial and social bonding leads to individuals rejecting cultural norms and expectations, and ultimately leading to showing criminal behaviour and committing criminal acts as shown by Justin Bourque and his murder of three RCMP …show more content…
In the case of murderer Justin Bourque, Hirschi’s Control Theory and Merton’s Strain Theory fits him best, due to his obvious lack of social bonds as well as his lack of culturally defined goals and his disinterest in the institutionalized means to achieve the goals. This ultimately suggests that a lack of familial and social bonding leads to individuals rejecting cultural norms and expectations, and ultimately leading to showing criminal behaviour and committing criminal acts as shown by Justin Bourque and his murder of three RCMP officers and attempted murder of two