Strain Theory And Strain Theory

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This paper presents how Labeling theory and strain theory can explain the crimes that The White family from West Virginia commit on a daily basis. The wonderful White of West Virginia portrays corruption and poverty. They do not conform to any authority or rules; all they want to do is fuss, fight and party. The White family takes part in shoot-outs, robberies; gas huffing, drug dealing, pill popping and murders. They are famously known for their Hill Billy tap dancing and wild criminal ways. West Virginia being the poorest state in the United States they do not have the resources to a good education system or available employment. Therefore, frustration sets in, leading to failed aspirations causing the Whites to resort to violent and illegal ways to survive in a declining economy, to obtain a slight chance to their perspective of the American dream. However, being labeled as the rebels of the south just makes that slight chance of the American dream much harder to obtain. Strain Theory According to Robert Agnew, “Strain Theory is based on the idea that delinquency results when individuals are unable to achieve their goals through legitimate channels, achievement or strike out at the source of their frustration in anger”. (Agnew, R. (1985). A Revised Strain Theory of Delinquency. Oxford journals. 64(1).151-166). The norms are violated to alleviate the strain that accompanies failure. When a good look is taken at the theories the strains might not only come from peoples frustrations with acquiring “ The American Dream”, but it becomes a mixture of strains such as economic deprivation, abuse, neglect, or the loss of a loved one. However, most people that experience strains do not commit crimes. According to general strain theo... ... middle of paper ... ...omething you place on yourself due to the way many individuals cope with stress. . The White Family portrays corruption and poverty. They take part in shoot-outs, robberies, gas- huffing, drug dealing, pill popping and murders. The whites are mainly known for their wild and criminal ways, as they are for their Hill Billy tap dancing. West Virginia is the poorest state in the United States. Being the poorest state in the United States, the education system is not as we would all expect. Without an education or available employment, the whites resorted to becoming a corrupt family to survive in the declining economy of West Virginia. Corruption within the White Family began when the father Ray White was murdered. This caused them to drop out of school and retaliate by breaking the law in every way possible. That led to a lack education and motivation to succeed.

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