Strain Theory

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Strain Theory
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Source US Census, 2000
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Strain Theory is aboutDeviant Motivation

• Assumption 1 We are all naturally law-abiding,
  if given the chance
• Assumption 2 We break rules when we experience
  strain
• Assumption 3 Strain originates in our social
  experience

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What do you do when bad things happen?

• 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
• You become a crime victim

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Agnews (1992) Strain Theory
Blocked Goals
Corrective Actions
Negative Emotions (mostly anger, but also anxiety
and depression)
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The American Dream

• Culturally valued goals
• Money, status, material objects
• Legitimate means
• Hard work, perseverance

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Mertons (1938) Strain TheoryA Critique of U.S.
Society

• Critique 1 Our cultures requirement that
  people achieve success (i.e., wealth) is stronger
  than its requirement that they play by the rules
  to attain it
• Critique 2 There is a mismatch between our
  cultures universal success goals (wealth) and
  peoples differential access to the legitimate
  means to achieving those goals

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Mertons Adaptations to Strain
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Albert Cohen Strain Theory and Delinquent
Subculture

• Strain Lower class youth fail to achieve middle
  class standards ( middle class measuring rod)
  -gt strain (status frustration)
• Reduce strain by creating an alternative status
  system - a group solution to the problem of
  strain
• Oppositional subculture
• Middle class values upside down
• Explains non-utilitarian deviance (e.g.,
  vandalism)

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Strain Anomie in Society

• Disjuncture between socially valued goals and
  legitimate means for achieving those goals
• Anomie a state of normlessness in society
• Rules inspire less commitment
• We dont trust that others will follow rules

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Overview of Strain Theories

• Agnews Strain Theory
• Blocked goals-gtnegative emotion-gtcorrective
  action
• Mertons Strain Theory
• Success is valued more than playing by the rules
• Differential access to legitimate means
• Cohens Strain Theory
• Oppositional/delinquent adaptation to status
  frustration

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Policy Implicationsof Strain Theory

• Equalize opportunities for success
• De-emphasize material success goals
• Re-emphasize playing by the rules