Robert Merton Strain Theory
Strain Theory was developed in 1938 by Robert Merton to explain how the crimes in the US fluctuated significantly during that time.
Merton believed that society was built on this idea which assured the public that there was equal opportunity that was available to anyone, regardless of class, gender or ethnicity, called the American Dream. The ‘American Dream’ painted this idea in the heads of individuals to seek success through wealth and material possessions. Americans were expected to seek out this perfect life by going to school, and gaining experience. The stigma in America was if you are ambitious and work hard then they should be rewarded with wealth.
Merton stated that when individuals are faced with the idea of not reaching their
goals, it puts pressure or strain on the individual. When people are faced with strain, people have five ways to adapt: Conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, rebellion. Merton believed that conformity was the most common and retreatism is the least common.
The idea of "American Dream" takes over, and puts these impossible ideas in your head about how to become successful. When things don't work out people turn to selling drugs, stealing things, or even becoming a prostitute just to make it by financially.
Merton believed that society was built on this idea which assured the public that there was equal opportunity that was available to anyone, regardless of class, gender or ethnicity, called the American Dream. The ‘American Dream’ painted this idea in the heads of individuals to seek success through wealth and material possessions. Americans were expected to seek out this perfect life by going to school, and gaining experience. The stigma in America was if you are ambitious and work hard then they should be rewarded with wealth.
Merton stated that when individuals are faced with the idea of not reaching their
goals, it puts pressure or strain on the individual. When people are faced with strain, people have five ways to adapt: Conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, rebellion. Merton believed that conformity was the most common and retreatism is the least common.
The idea of "American Dream" takes over, and puts these impossible ideas in your head about how to become successful. When things don't work out people turn to selling drugs, stealing things, or even becoming a prostitute just to make it by financially.