Aderemi Samuel 11/19/25 Aderemi Samuel 11/19/25

Examining the Strain Theory of Crime

This week’s discussion will focus on one criminological theory: strain. In examining the theory, we would address who developed the theory, how it evolved, and its main ideas. The strengths and weaknesses of the theory would also be addressed, along with its policy implications.

Strain Theory

Who Developed Strain Theory

Strain theory explains how social structures and socio-economic inequalities can pressure individuals to commit crimes or exhibit deviant behavior. Robert K. Merton developed strain theory in 1938, within the perspective of functionalist theories that focus on societal structure. Strain theory, as a sociological and criminological theory, explains why individuals engage in deviant or criminal behavior. In the strain theory framework, individuals are pressured into crime because they are prevented from achieving cultural goals, such as monetary success and middle-class status, through legitimate means in society (Merton, 1938; Cohen, 1955; Cloward & Ohlin, 1960).

How Did the Theory Evolve

Strain theory is traceable to Emile Durkheim’s concept of anomie theory, developed between 1893 and 1897. The anomie theory, in its original form, described a state of normlessness resulting from significant changes in societal values and virtues. In Durkheim’s argument, he stated that when societal norms break down, individuals are confused and may resort to deviant behavior. Based on this argument, Agnew later expanded classic strain theory into modern general strain theory (GST). The GST has been credited with broadening the perspective of strain theory. Agnew’s GST posits that strain can occur due to an individual's inability to achieve non-material goals, the loss of valued relationships, and negative stimuli (Agnew, 1992; Agnew, 2001). It is essential to note that strain theory has undergone significant evolution since Durkheim’s original concept of anomie.

The Main Ideas of Strain Theory

The main ideas of strain theory include the perspective that crime occurs when there is a disjunction between culturally prescribed goals and the legitimate means available for individuals to achieve them. Under certain conditions that prevent individuals from achieving success in terms of monetary value and social status, they may respond to the strain and pressure through crime. It is also a vital tool for understanding the social origins of crime and for guiding effective crime prevention strategies (Cullen et al., 2021; Merton, 1938; Cohen, 1955; Cloward & Ohlin, 1960).

Strengths

The effect of economic inequality is the strongest strength of strain theory. Economic inequality has been credited with higher crime rates, especially when inequality is strong enough to lead to discrimination against racial, ethnic, or religious groups. When this inequality occurs, individuals are likely to perceive it as unjust and therefore choose to commit a crime or engage in deviant behavior (Messner, 1989, 2003; Blau & Blau, 1982). Another area of strength is how it highlights unequal access to legitimate opportunities, which can create pressure, prompting individuals to seek alternative or illegitimate means to achieve culturally valued goals in society (Merton, 1938)

Weaknesses

Strain theorists have found that only some individuals under strain turn to crime when they are pressured, arguing that specific factors determine whether strain leads to crime (Agnew, 1997a, 2000; Baumer & Gustafson, 2007; Cullen, 1984; Cohen, 1955; Cloward & Ohlin, 1960). Strain theory no longer dominates criminology as it did in the past due to extensive critiques in the 1960s and 1970s, which had a significant impact on public policy (Burton & Cullen, 1992; Clinard, 1964; Cole, 1975; Empey et al., 1999). Within the framework of strain theory, several empirical studies have failed to provide adequate support for the claim that every pressured (strained) individual will resort to crime or deviance (Agnew, 2000; Akers & Sellers, 2008; Hirschi, 1969; Jensen, 1995; Kornhauser, 1978).

Policy Implications

Strain theory offers a credible account of its policy implications. It is a valuable tool for identifying sources of societal strain. Understanding the source of strain can help policymakers develop targeted interventions to reduce socioeconomic pressures and improve access to legitimate means of achieving monetary and social status success. Implementing an intervention policy aimed at reducing inequality and poverty could lower crime rates (Messner & Rosenfeld, 2001).

Aderemi Samuel 5/28/19 Aderemi Samuel 5/28/19

Blog Post Title One

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