Robert Merton Strain Theory

There are many aspects in the world today that separate us as society, such as, race, gender, age and social class. These aspects can also affect our lives in a variety of ways, including, where we live, who we are friends with, or maybe even the punishment of our deviances. “Deviance is generally defined as an act of violence that violates the social norm… with at least three factors,” including, “time, place and public consensus or power.” ( Thio 160) Sadly, in the world today we encounter a fair amount of crime, however, the incarceration rate can come as a disadvantage for many. For example, “Whites in the United States have a much higher crime rate than blacks in African Countries.” However, U.S. Blacks have a higher crime rate, “Major
culture places too much emphasis on success as a valued goal.” In many ways I find this to be somewhat true, the world expects you to look, act, and feel a certain way and that is somewhat impossible. By expecting so much from a person, it can create unnecessary pressure. “Merton’s theory blames deviance on society’s failures to provide all people with legitimate means to achieve success. This theory, explains the higher rates of robbery and theft among lower class people, who are pressured to commit crimes by their lack of good jobs and other legitimate means of success.” (Thio 174) Somewhat similar is the Power Theory, in which people who have more power are more likely to continue to gain more power, than the people who are powerless. For example, “the powerful are more likely to perpetrate profitable crimes, such as corporate crimes, while the powerless are more likely to commit unprofitable crimes, such as homicide or assault.” (Thio 179) Overall, both theories involve the aspect of success and power. In today’s world people strive for money and materialistic things, which can lead to deviance, when unsuccessful. In the end there are more important things we should be focusing