The general strain theory was developed by Robert Agnew in 1992 and focuses on the strain and crime on an individual level. The theory attempts to explain why individuals who feel more strain or stress, tend to commit more crimes. Agnew states that social structures within society might pressure citizens to commit crime. The theory focuses on all crimes without boundary, while looking at the individual. The general strain theory will be applied to the crime that has taken place in Grand Forks North Dakota, inside of a Walmart on May 26th 2015. The crime committed will be dissected through sociological lenses with the aid of the general strain theory. A crime synopsis follows after the introductory paragraph. Soon after the general strain theories
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First of all, the word strain refers to the negative feelings that can arise from negative events occurring in one’s life. The main emotions that are linked with the concept of strain are stress, frustration, anxiousness, depression, and anger. Failure to achieve goals could be influenced by anything or anyone that is stopping or slowing ones progression towards said goals. It could be a significant other, a family member, a co-worker or even a friend. This type of situation creates strain in an individual. Aside from people, the first part of the General strain theory could contain several other factors: drugs, fears, insecurities, habits/rituals, life events, and possibly even norms could also be involved. The failure to achieve valued goals can occur when a person sets up goals for themselves and fails to make progression toward said goals. There are many factors that can come into the equation when looking at what stops people from reaching their goals. The fact that not everyone can have everything they want could be stressful and may lead to negative feelings or emotions. One can speculate that Willis might have been disappointed with himself due to unachieved goals. Willis could have been in a negative state of mind because of him not living up to his thought potential. Bernard explains the gap between what is hoped to happen and what actually happens only adds to the disappointment or strain of a person (Bernard, Snipes, and Gerould, 2010, p. 166). Not owning as much money, property, or material goods as one would like to have can be a very stressful and depressing situation. Willis worked at the air base under a stressful occupation with a relatively small wage. With such factors, strain is likely to have been a part of his daily life. Possessing barriers to keep one from their goals is very frustrating and can cause some people to have very negative moods or
First of all, the word strain refers to the negative feelings that can arise from negative events occurring in one’s life. The main emotions that are linked with the concept of strain are stress, frustration, anxiousness, depression, and anger. Failure to achieve goals could be influenced by anything or anyone that is stopping or slowing ones progression towards said goals. It could be a significant other, a family member, a co-worker or even a friend. This type of situation creates strain in an individual. Aside from people, the first part of the General strain theory could contain several other factors: drugs, fears, insecurities, habits/rituals, life events, and possibly even norms could also be involved. The failure to achieve valued goals can occur when a person sets up goals for themselves and fails to make progression toward said goals. There are many factors that can come into the equation when looking at what stops people from reaching their goals. The fact that not everyone can have everything they want could be stressful and may lead to negative feelings or emotions. One can speculate that Willis might have been disappointed with himself due to unachieved goals. Willis could have been in a negative state of mind because of him not living up to his thought potential. Bernard explains the gap between what is hoped to happen and what actually happens only adds to the disappointment or strain of a person (Bernard, Snipes, and Gerould, 2010, p. 166). Not owning as much money, property, or material goods as one would like to have can be a very stressful and depressing situation. Willis worked at the air base under a stressful occupation with a relatively small wage. With such factors, strain is likely to have been a part of his daily life. Possessing barriers to keep one from their goals is very frustrating and can cause some people to have very negative moods or