Structural strain theory is
a method of understanding crime
. It argues that structures within society result in strain, or pressures, that cause people to commit crimes.
What are some examples of strain theory?
The theory also focuses on the perspective of goals for status, expectations and class rather than focusing on money (as Merton’s theory does). Examples of General Strain Theory are
people who use illegal drugs to make themselves feel better, or a student assaulting his peers to end the harassment they caused
.
What is structure strain theory?
The theory states that
social structures may pressure citizens to commit crimes
. Strain may be structural, which refers to the processes at the societal level that filter down and affect how the individual perceives his or her needs.
How does structural strain theory explain deviance?
Strain Theory of Deviance
Strain theory, developed by sociologist Robert Merton,
posits that when people are prevented from achieving culturally approved goals through institutional means, they experience strain or frustration that can lead to deviance
.
How does strain theory explain crime?
Strain theories state that
certain strains or stressors increase the likelihood of crime
. These strains lead to negative emotions, such as frustration and anger. These emotions create pressure for corrective action, and crime is one possible response.
What are the 4 types of deviance?
According to Merton, there are five types of deviance based upon these criteria:
conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism and rebellion
. Structural functionalism argues that deviant behavior plays an active, constructive role in society by ultimately helping cohere different populations within a society.
What are the 3 parts of Agnew’s general strain theory?
Agnew proposed that there are three types of coping mechanisms:
cognitive, behavioral, and emotional
(Agnew, 1992).
What is the first element of general strain theory?
General strain theory (GST) states that strains increase the likelihood of
crime
, particularly strains that are high in magnitude, are seen as unjust, are associated with low social control, and create some pressure or incentive for criminal coping.
What are the 5 reactions to strain?
Merton noted that the deviant response to strain was one of five responses he observed in society. He referred to such deviance as “innovation” while identifying the other responses to strain as
conformity, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion
.
What is the difference between anomie and strain theory?
44) conceives of anomie as a social condition that promotes “the withdrawal of allegiance from social norms and high
rates of deviance
.” Thus, Messner reformulates anomie theory to argue that the pressure exerted by the condition of anomie explains the distribution of deviance across society, while the strain theory of …
What are the 5 theories of deviance?
- Social strain typology, developed by Robert K. …
- According to Merton, there are five types of deviance based upon these criteria: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism and rebellion.
What are the four categories of strain reactions?
Agnew described 4 characteristics of strains that are most likely to lead to crime: 1) strains are seen as unjust, 2) strains are seen as high in magnitude, 3) strains are associated with low social control, and 4) strains create some pressure or incentive to engage in criminal coping.
What are the two types of deviance associated with labeling theory?
Explain the two types of deviance associated with labeling theory.
Primary deviance
: this is nonconformity that goes undetected by those in authority. Secondary deviance: this results in the individual being labeled as deviant and accepting the label as true. The explanation of deviance as a learned behavior.
What is Durkheim’s theory?
Durkheim believed that
society exerted a powerful force on individuals
. People’s norms, beliefs, and values make up a collective consciousness, or a shared way of understanding and behaving in the world. The collective consciousness binds individuals together and creates social integration.
What are the five components of Robert Merton’s strain theory?
Merton developed five modes of adaptation to cultural strain:
Conformity, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism, and Rebellion
.
How does general strain theory explain homicide?
General strain theory suggests that
men and women who kill an intimate partner experience different types of strain and emotions
, and that homicide occurs in response to these experiences.
