Strain Theory

What do you do when bad things happen? Peer insults you for wearing cheap clothes A parent abuses you physically You fail a test you studied for Your partner dumps you Your dad dies suddenly Your parents get a divorce

Agnew’s Strain Theory Blocked goals motivate crime Goals that may be blocked include –Money –Good grades –Masculine status & respect Corrective action that may be taken –Theft, drug dealing, prostitution –Cheating on exams –Violence to demonstrate toughness, power, control

Social Pressure To Deviate Our society makes it easier for some people to achieve success by following rules, but looks down on those who give up

The American Dream Goals Means

Merton’s (1938) Strain Theory: A Critique of U.S. Society Tension between success goals and available means –We all want wealth, but our ability to achieve it varies by social class The goal of success reins supreme –Relatively few moral costs for rule breaking

A Theory of Deviant Motivation We are all naturally law-abiding, if given the chance We break rules when we experience strain Strain originates in our social experience

Merton’s Adaptations to Strain Mode of Adaptation Adhere to Cultural Goals Adhere to Legitimate Means ConformityYes RitualismNoYes InnovationYesNo RetreatismNo RebellionChange cultural goals using legitimate or illegitimate means

Cloward and Ohlin (1960): Illegitimate Opportunities Adaptation Mainstream Goals Legitimate Means Illegitimate Means InnovationYesNoYes RetreatistNo Retreatists are “double losers” or “double failures”

Albert K. Cohen (1955) Oppositional Subculture Explain non-utilitarian delinquency –Lower class youth fail to achieve middle class standards (the “middle class measuring rod”) Status problem solved within the gang –Status redefined in opposition to middle class standards (not completely separate) –Reaction formation – reject what you want but can’t have – middle class values upside down

Why does strain cause crime? Strain causes negative emotions –Anger, frustration, depression, anxiety Negative emotions create a pressure for corrective action that motivates crime –Immediate situation –Long-term cumulative effects

Messner and Rosenfeld (1994) Institutional Anomie Theory The American Dream causes crime –Overemphasizes competition and success –Underemphasizes responsibility to others Institutional balance of power –Relations of mutual dependence between economy, family, education, religion Institutional anomie –The economy has supplanted the family, education, and religion as the dominant institution (and source of values)

Implications of Institutional Anomie Economic efficiency norms dominate –Means-ends thinking applied in all areas of life Non-economic institutions are penetrated –Families adopt an exchange mentality –Dual income families Economic social roles bring most status –Other social roles de-valued (stay-at-home- moms)

Explaining Crime and Deviance Robbery Cheating on exams Date rape Spouse or child abuse Vandalism by youth Alcohol or drug abuse Drug dealing

Policy Implications of Strain Theory Equalize opportunities for success –Provide job and education programs –Affirmative action De-emphasize material success goals –Change the institutional balance between family, religion, and economy Emphasize playing by the rules –Reward sportsmanship over winning Help people treat each other better –Reduce grievances & disputes