Agnew's Gst: A Case Study

The third factor that Agnew (2001) presents as a driving force behind criminal offending is the strain being caused by or associated with low social control. Certain strains are caused by or associated with low social control, such as the strain caused by erratic parental discipline (low direct control), parental rejection (low attachment), work in the secondary labor market (low commitment), or homelessness (low direct control, attachment, and commitment). Such strains are more likely to result in crime because the low social control associated with them reduces the costs of crime. Also, low social control may reduce the ability to cope in a noncriminal manner according to Agnew. The fourth and final factor affecting the likelihood that strain will lead to crime is the extent to which the strain creates some pressure or incentive to engage in criminal coping. This factor is actually derived from other crime causation theories; social-learning and routine activities. It can be argued that the type of strain experienced influences the availability and appeal of noncriminal and criminal coping options – thereby affecting the pressure/incentive to engage in crime. Certain types of strain are associated with exposure to others who model crime, reinforce crime, and/or present beliefs favorable to crime (Agnew, 2001).
Taking a look at both models in context is an important consideration. Merton’s life seems to mirror the two core features of his paradigm:
1. The significance of the cultural message for all to pursue the American