SELF-COMPLEXITY AND CRIME: EXTENDING GENERAL STRAIN THEORY
The first journal article focuses on how complexity of identity affects deviant/criminal behavior in the presence of strain. We all know that the General Strain Theory has a number of factors that affect who is more likely to react to strain with crime. According to this study there is a previously neglected conditioning factor called self-complexity (SC), which is introduced from the social psychology literature. According to the literature self-complexity refers to; the number of identities people perceive as important to themselves; and the varied characteristics they attribute to these identities. Individuals who are lower in self-complexity are more likely to assault another …show more content…
M. & Baumeister, R. F. 1991). There are some key factors in the previous statement that explains why The General Strain Theory rejects the self-complexity theory, (perceived, cognitive, self-aspects, and believes). These factors fall in the Personality and Social Psychology Theories, whereas The General Strain Theory states people are pressured into crime due to the strains or negative events or conditions they experience (Agnew, …show more content…
Merton’s explanation of deviance explains the theoretical center of his works and contributes to modern sociology. However, the intellectual and political appeal of the strain theory began to erode in the 1970’s. Critical sociologists, joined with control theorists like (Hirschi), argued Merton engaged an over socialized conception of human nature, while other critics on the left attacked reformism, and the class bias in the strain theory. Conservatives claimed that his work did not provide a convincing explanation of the lower-class
The first journal article focuses on how complexity of identity affects deviant/criminal behavior in the presence of strain. We all know that the General Strain Theory has a number of factors that affect who is more likely to react to strain with crime. According to this study there is a previously neglected conditioning factor called self-complexity (SC), which is introduced from the social psychology literature. According to the literature self-complexity refers to; the number of identities people perceive as important to themselves; and the varied characteristics they attribute to these identities. Individuals who are lower in self-complexity are more likely to assault another …show more content…
M. & Baumeister, R. F. 1991). There are some key factors in the previous statement that explains why The General Strain Theory rejects the self-complexity theory, (perceived, cognitive, self-aspects, and believes). These factors fall in the Personality and Social Psychology Theories, whereas The General Strain Theory states people are pressured into crime due to the strains or negative events or conditions they experience (Agnew, …show more content…
Merton’s explanation of deviance explains the theoretical center of his works and contributes to modern sociology. However, the intellectual and political appeal of the strain theory began to erode in the 1970’s. Critical sociologists, joined with control theorists like (Hirschi), argued Merton engaged an over socialized conception of human nature, while other critics on the left attacked reformism, and the class bias in the strain theory. Conservatives claimed that his work did not provide a convincing explanation of the lower-class