Examples Of Strain Theories

Society set up is structured in a way that vitalizes too much deviance. Merton (1938) believes that When socially accepted goals or societal norms such as “The American Dream” puts the burden on the individuals to fit in. Thus, intensifies the individuals to either blend in the structure the society has to offer or else become an associate of deviance subculture in the endeavor to attain these goals. Merton termed this theory as Strain theories. These theories are amid the first candidly sociological explanation of the sources of deviant behavior. The theory seeks to in-depth and better understand deviance by centering on social patterns and structures that emerge as either groups or individuals react to conditions in which in the real sense
First, cohesive set of norms is brought about by social order. Second, community members widely share these norms. Lastly, deviance and community general reaction to it are significant in maintaining order. Anomie is a state in which there are lack social standards where society fails to efficiently and effectively regulate the behavior and expectations of its members. This occurs when the desires are given room to develop beyond the reality of the fulfillment. In a better functioning society, desires and human needs are controlled by collective order and ambition are
According to Agnew, crime resulted when individuals sought criminal activities to cope up with the negative emotions. Nonetheless, Merton failed to explain why not all individuals resort to crime to sort out their negative state of feeling. Agnew clarified that a person’s coping strategy is a determining factor if of whether one will engage in crime or not. He further expounded on Merton’s definition of strain by explaining all the crime rather than socioeconomic crime among the lower