Strain Theory

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Strain Theory
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Source US Census, 2000
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Strain Theory is aboutDeviant Motivation

• Assumption 1 We are all naturally law-abiding,
  if given the chance
• Assumption 2 We break rules when we experience
  strain
• Assumption 3 Strain originates in our social
  experience

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What do you do when bad things happen?

• A parent abuses you physically
• You fail a test you studied for
• Your partner dumps you
• Your dad dies suddenly
• Your parents get a divorce
• You become a crime victim

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Agnews (1992) Strain Theory
Blocked Goals
Corrective Actions
Negative Emotions (mostly anger, but also anxiety
and depression)
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The American Dream

• Culturally valued goals
• Money, status, material objects
• Legitimate means
• Hard work, perseverance

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Mertons (1938) Strain TheoryA Critique of U.S.
Society

• Critique 1 Our cultures requirement that
  people achieve success (i.e., wealth) is stronger
  than its requirement that they play by the rules
  to attain it
• Critique 2 There is a mismatch between our
  cultures universal success goals (wealth) and
  peoples differential access to the legitimate
  means to achieving those goals

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Mertons Adaptations to Strain
Mode of Adaptation Adhere to Cultural Goals Adhere to Legitimate Means
Conformity Yes Yes
Ritualism No Yes
Innovation Yes No
Retreatism No No
Rebellion Reject culture, strive for change Can use legitimate means or not Reject culture, strive for change Can use legitimate means or not
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Albert Cohen Strain Theory and Delinquent
Subculture

• Strain Lower class youth fail to achieve middle
  class standards ( middle class measuring rod)
  -gt strain (status frustration)
• Reduce strain by creating an alternative status
  system - a group solution to the problem of
  strain
• Oppositional subculture
• Middle class values upside down
• Explains non-utilitarian deviance (e.g.,
  vandalism)

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Strain Anomie in Society

• Disjuncture between socially valued goals and
  legitimate means for achieving those goals
• Anomie a state of normlessness in society
• Rules inspire less commitment
• We dont trust that others will follow rules

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Overview of Strain Theories

• Agnews Strain Theory
• Blocked goals-gtnegative emotion-gtcorrective
  action
• Mertons Strain Theory
• Success is valued more than playing by the rules
• Differential access to legitimate means
• Cohens Strain Theory
• Oppositional/delinquent adaptation to status
  frustration

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Policy Implicationsof Strain Theory

• Equalize opportunities for success
• De-emphasize material success goals
• Re-emphasize playing by the rules