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Strain Theory in Relation to Crime

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Strain Theory in Relation to Crime
Strain Theory in Relation to Crime

Strain causes people to act against the law, breaking laws to attain their means. Merton’s theory on strain and anomie provides us with reasons for why the offender committed the crime break and enter. Merton’s strain theory shows us that the offender understood the norms of society but could not attain the means of it, he needed money go back to his girlfriend who was out west. Merton’s theory states that an individual who is lacking in social forms is more likely to commit crime due to stress. The offender grew up with many different types of strain, destine for failure in life when he dropped out of high school. Without a high school education he had a hard time finding a job and had a strain on making money to sustain his lifestyle.

1) Merton’s Theory of General Strain is derived from Emile Durkheim, Merton’s work has become more advanced that Durkheim’s. Merton believes that the individual who commits crime is forced too due so because of non equal opportunities. Merton’s theory displays strain due to the social norms of society in regards to wealth. With the want for wealth citizens of a society will commit crimes in order to achieve happiness. Similar to utilitarianism as actions that produce happiness is seen as moral, however in these cases what provides happiness is wrong and punishable. Merton argues that society exhibits means to an end in two distinct ways. Success is known to be good, but not as good as socially approved means doing things that are legal and are not frowned upon by a society. Everyone wants to be successful and have a high achievement. With little or no regards to how they become successful. “Culture universally inculcates certain success goals (e.g., the American Dream ideology that economic success and mobility are desirable and possible for everyone) while structural inequalities block many people 's access to legitimate means for achieving those goals. “ (Reinarman)
Wealth is a big


References: Murphy, Daniel S., and Mathew B. Robinson. "The Maximizer: Clarifying Merton 's Theories of Anomie and Strain." Theoretical Criminology 12.4 (2008): 501-21. ProQuest Psychology Journals; Social Services Abstracts; Sociological Abstracts. 21 Feb. 2013. BOBO, MURNO C. "An Ethnographic Study of Unwilling Students (Dropouts)." The Claremont Graduate University, 1987. United States -- California: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I. Web. 21 Feb. 2013. Reinarman, Craig. "The Future of Anomie Theory." Contemporary Sociology 29.1 (2000): 252-3. ABI/INFORM Global; ProQuest Sociology. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
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