
Strain theory
- Conformity Conformist are those individuals, who believe in the norms of society. ...
- Innovation Innovators are those individuals who approve of society goals. ...
- Ritualism The people who have given up on the society goals. ...
- Retreatism Those people comes under the category of retreatism, who have given up on society goals and the socially accepted means to obtain them. ...
- Rebellion ...
What are the basic concepts of strain theory?
Strain theories state that certain strains or stressors increase the likelihood of crime. These strains involve the inability to achieve one’s goals (e.g., monetary or status goals), the loss of positive stimuli (e.g., the death of a friend, the loss of valued possessions), or the presentation of negative stimuli (e.g., verbal and physical abuse). Individuals who experience these strains become upset, and they may turn to crime in an effort to cope.
What is the general strain theory?
General strain theory might provide an answer. At its core, general strain theory (GST), as put forth by sociologist Robert Agnew, refers to the notion that some people react to the various stressors they experience in life via unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as turning to crime.
What is general strain theory definition?
In essence, general strain theory (GST), as put forth by sociologist Robert Agnew, refers to the notion that some people might react to various strains in life via unhealthy criminal behavior. Are high in magnitude. Are associated with low social control.
Which theorist is associated with strain theory?
Strain theory, established by American sociologist Robert K. Merton, is linked to both the functionalist perspective on deviance and Emile Durkheim's idea of anomie. Merton stated that civilizations are made up of two fundamental components: culture and social structure.

What are the three types of strain theory?
1) Failure to achieve positively valued goals. 2) Removal of positive stimuli. 3) Introduction of negative stimuli.
What is an example of rebellion strain theory?
The strain theory states that people may deviate or rebel if there is an inconsistency between culturally defined goals and the accessible means to obtain them. Rebellion can come in the form of tragedy, such in the case of terrorism, mass shootings, and other forms of crime.
What is the strain theory of crime?
Strain theories state that certain strains or stressors increase the likelihood of crime. These strains lead to negative emotions, such as frustration and anger. These emotions create pressure for corrective action, and crime is one possible response.
What are the types of strain theory?
The strains most likely to result in crime are those that are high in magnitude, that are seen as unjust, strains associated with low social control — such as parental rejection — and strains that create a pressure or incentive to cope criminally — such as a desperate need for money (Agnew & Brezina, 2019).
What are social strain examples?
Examples include parental rejection, child abuse, bullying, loss of job, loss of a loved one, discrimination, and criminal victimization. However, the characteristics of some strains are more likely to lead to crime.
What is an example of objective strain?
Conversely, objective strains refer to negative conditions/ events that are not liked by most of the members of a specific group (Frggio & Agnew, 2007). A powerful and common example of objective strain would be when people are or feel they are being deprived of basic human necessities.
How does strain theory explain drug use?
Greater exposure to strain will be associated with an increased risk of heavy alcohol, marijuana, and other illicit drug use. Negative affect will mediate the association between strain and illicit substance use.
How does strain theory explain theft?
Strain theory posits that theft is the result of the gap between the culturally induced aspirations for economic success and the structurally distributed possibilities for achieving it.
What are 5 adaptations of strain theory?
Merton developed five modes of adaptation to cultural strain: Conformity, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism, and Rebellion. These adaptations to strain are depicted in Table 1. Each of the five categories refers to 'role behavior in specific types of situations, not to personality …
What are the five types of strain?
Strain can be of four different types, and the direction of application of forces generally defines them. The four types of strain are longitudinal strain, lateral strain, volumetric strain and shear strain.
What are the main types of strains?
Different types of strainsAcapulco Gold. Originating from Acapulco, Mexico, Acapulco Gold is a well-known and highly praised strain of cannabis. ... Blue Dream. Blue Dream is relaxing and soothing, but it isn't a total sedative. ... Purple Kush. ... Sour Diesel. ... Bubba Kush. ... Granddaddy Purple. ... Afghan Kush. ... LA Confidential.More items...
How does strain theory explain youth crime?
Current strain theories argue that delinquency results from the blockage of goal- seeking behavior. Unable to achieve valued goals, individuals become frustrated and may turn to delinquency as a result. This paper points to another major source of frustration and delinquency, the blockage of pain-avoidance behavior.
What is an example of rebellion according to Merton?
Rebellion - not only rejection of goals and means, but a positive attempt to replace them with alternative values, for example, political revolutionaries, religious prophets.
What is the example of rebellion?
Examples of rebellion in a Sentence The unfair tax laws sparked a rebellion. The peasants rose in rebellion. She's the head of a rebellion against the leaders of the party. Recent election losses have led to open rebellion among some party members, who are calling for a complete change of leadership.
What is rebellion in Merton's theory?
Merton states that retreatism is when there is a rejection of both cultural goals and institutionalized means. He also says that rebellion is the rejection of prevailing cultural goals/institutional means and the substitution of new ones.
What are the 4 types of rebellion?
Rebellion can be individual or collective, peaceful (civil disobedience, civil resistance, and nonviolent resistance) or violent (terrorism, sabotage and guerrilla warfare).
What are the five adaptations to strain explained by Merton?
The five adaptations to strain as explained by Merton in his strain theory are conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion. Each...
How does strain theory define and explain deviance?
Deviance is 'acting out of the norm.' According to strain theory, when a person is unable to meet his socially-acceptable goals using socially-acc...
What is the concept of strain theory?
According to strain theory, when an individual is unable to meet culturally-acceptable goals using institutionalized means, he experiences a state...
What are some examples of Merton's strain theory?
A person who is facing a financial crunch but is living in an affluent society might act out in a deviant manner in order to maintain his desired s...