The Strain Theory Of Deviance And Action That Violate Norms In Society

The strain theory of deviance helps explain why some individuals commit deviant acts, actions that violate norms in society. When society puts pressure on its members to achieve certain acceptable goals, it causes stress for its members. One may be forced to take different approaches to achieve the expectations if they do not have the means to achieve the goals even if that means a deviant act. According to the Campus Election Engagement Project (CEEP) in a Huffington Post article, there is a movement to restore convicted felon's voting rights. CEEP claims,"Nearly 1.7 million Florida citizens are permanently disenfranchised from voting in state and federal elections because of being former felons"(CEEP). Florida voters passed laws to dissuade …show more content…
Many Florida residents are not permitted to vote as a result of rising number of felony convictions. This movement attempts to change this with an amendment the state will vote on next year. Supporters claim those with felonies are less likely to commit another deviant or illegal act when they have a voice in democracy. As the law stands, once a resident has a felony record, they cannot participate in the voting process. Not voting in itself violates society's norms. It’s a permanent struggle which will force these criminals to find new ways to meet society's expectation. On a micro level, this issue affects the lives of convicted felons who currently do not have the right to vote. Social acceptance for felons voting would allow the criminal's voice to be heard as they can vote for who they want without relying on others to support their