Strain Theory Essay

.) What is STRAIN THEORY, according to the book? A theory that people engage in deviant behaviour when they are unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means.

2.) What contribution has MERTON made to STRAIN THEORY? By this I mean, what major factors or elements are essential to that theorists understanding of strain theory. To better help understand the strain theory MERTON took these five factors: conformity, ritualism, innovation, retreatism & rebellion. These factors also lead to the reasoning on how people achieve their goals.

3.) What contribution has COHEN made to STRAIN THEORY? By this I mean, what major factors or elements are essential to that theorists understanding of strain theory. COHEN contributed to the stain

Part 2

1.) control theory- A control theory proposes that exploiting the process of social activities and social learning builds self-control, and reduces the inclination to indulge in behavior recognized as antisocial.

2.) differential association theory- This theory asserts that criminal behavior is learned primarily in interpersonal groups and that youths will become delinquent if the reward outweighs the risk.

3.) social control theory- A social control theory is a posit that delinquency results from a weakened commitment to the major social institutions, lack of commitment that allows youth to exercise antisocial behavioral choices.

4.) social process theory- This theory views criminality as a function of people's interactions with various organizations, institutions, and processes in society; it also shows people in all walks of life have the potential to become criminals if they maintain destructive social relationships their in.

5.) Why is differential association theory called a "learning theory"?

It is called a learning theory because indiviuals can pick up the traits and attitudes of criminal behaviors through interaction with