Social Explanations

Question 1

Describe Agnew’s General Strain Theory (1992)

Answer 1

• Socio-psych theory
• Deprivation and inequality leads to aggression which leads to criminality
• Objective strains = things that are negative for everyone e.g. no food, shelter
• Subjective strains = things that can be negative depending on personality traits and how they react to situations e.g. being rejected for a job may make them feel they will never be able to get a job
• Category 1 = prevent achievement of goals
• Category 2 = removal of highly valued stimuli
  Category 3 = threaten unpleasant stimuli