Social Strain Theory Research

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Robert K. Merton was an American sociologist who developed social strain theory. This theory states that social structures may pressure citizens to commit crimes. Crime may be used to reduce or escape from strain, for example, if an individuals experiencing chronic unemployment may engage in theft or drug selling to obtain money (Agnew, Scheuerman, 2015). My hypothesis on strain theory is that crime can be related to economic and educational surroundings. In order to test this theory I would use a survey questionnaire. The dependent variable would be the changes in criminal activity. The independent variables in the study would be the family income, education of the parents, family status, age of the child, sex of the child, race/ethnicity

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