Merton Strain Theory Essay

Which theory do you think does the best job of explaining criminal behavior?

Strain theory explained criminal behavior the best. Strain and stress is the causation of crime. Individuals that suffer from stress and strain strive for corrective actions. Driven from anger and frustration, individuals often seek revenge and self-conscious. Individuals engage in crime to reduce and escape the strain their experiencing. Strain is likely to result in delinquency when the reward is high and punishment much lower.

Explain in detail why you think this theory does the best job of explaining criminal behavior.

Strain theory has been founded to be one of the most influential and accepted criminological theories of the 20th century. Merton’s strain theory has been utilized to explain the classes of crime. Classes of crime include gender, age, race, and population differences. In credit of Merton strain theory, researchers were able to discover the relationship between classes in crime. For example, middle-class populations are likely to commit white-collar crimes. Lower-class communities are likely to commit minor crimes.

Agnew defines strain as the events disliked by other individuals. Since the development of Agnew strain theory, GST has been applied to a variety type of crime and

deviance. Robert Agnew developed a general strain theory that has focused on a broader scope of strains. Such strains include but not limited to, parental rejection, unemployment, homelessness, marital problems, excessive discipline, and child abuse as the causation of stress that lead to crime for coping. GST has the ability to explain not only the strains that increase the likelihood of crime, but the reason why these strains increase crime. Agnew has developed three categories that explain why strain occurs. One, lose something valuable, two received something bad, and three cannot get what one desire. For example, a juvenile involved in a gang could be a result of parental rejection. Parents that display little affection and proper supervision lose control in properly structuring their child. Or an individual unemployed may believe theft is a solution and justifiable to make ends meet. As stated before, Individuals that suffer from stress and strain strive for corrective actions.
Cloward and Ohlin believe strained individuals associate themselves with criminals to cope with their strain. Researchers believe social learning of crime is somewhat associated with strain. Cohen, Cloward and Ohlin applied Merton theory to juvenile gangs. It was believed juveniles cope with strain by joining gangs. The acceptance and respect of gang members were what they desired to achieve.
Discuss the history of the development of the theory.
Strain Theory was developed by Robert K. Merton. Merton stain theory was influenced by Emile Durkheim concept of anomie. Emile Durkheim developed the first modern strain theory of crime and deviance. Durkheim believed strain was the causation of not only deviance but suicide. In differ Merton focused on acts of deviance. Merton believed strain and stress increase the chance of crime occurring. Merton developed the first strain theory in 1938.
Classic strain theory focused on the inability to achieve monetary success.

Merton believed individuals living in the United States had a monetary goal. Due to blockage of that goal, frustration developed and individuals utilized crime to cope with their frustration. Prostitution, gambling, theft and drug distribution all spiked in increase. However, overall most individuals did not cope with stress through crime during the time. Majority individuals coped with monetary lost through cutbacks, borrowing, and working overtime at work. Between the 1970s-1980s, the classic strain theory declined due to challenged research. Researchers argued that crime is the result of strain to achieve

goals.
Merton discovered five adaptations to strain, conformity, ritualism, innovation, retreatism and rebellion. Conformity allowed individuals trail the conventional goals of society in regards to working effectively in school or at their employment. Ritualism allowed individuals to adapt in their positions through enjoyment of the job and or the pay. Innovation allowed individuals to achieve goals without much effort. Retreatism influenced individuals to deter from society goals. Rebellion, most known to be criminals, adapts to society goals just not the ones in place. Rebellion is described be the most complex adaptation. Rebellion is the most complex because rebels are trying to put an end to the current societal structure.
In 1992, Robert Agnew developed a general strain theory. Agnew focused on a broader scope of strains. Agnew believed the lack to achieve goals, loss of valuable possessions, and poor treatment causation of strain that lead to crime. The development of Agnew strain theory, GST has been applied to a variety type of crime and deviance. Robert Agnew general strain theory is the leading version and one of the major theories of crime.
Has the theory been empirically supported?
Most empirical studies of strain theory continue to rely on the strain models developed by Merton, A Cohen, and Cloward and Ohlin. Researchers have discovered strain contributes to certain forms of delinquency. Solid evidence has proven negative stimuli increase delinquency. Several studies have been provided displaying a significant measure between strain and delinquency. In addition, empirical support has been examined in regards to coping strategies and its effects individuals have when adapting to strain.
What policies could be implemented if the theory were to be adopted by the criminal justice system?
Merton argued society do not offer the resources to achieve cultural goals.