Strain Theory Flashcards
Who created strain theory
Merton
What is strain theory based on the idea of
The american dream
What is strain theory
The theory that individuals experience a sense of strain when legitimate means are blocked, meaning theyre more prone to crime
What are the 5 strategies to face strain
Conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, rebellion
What is conformity
To use legitimate means to achieve goals
What is innovation
Develops illegitimate means which may lead to deviance or crime
What is ritualism
Playing by the rules but not really expecting to succeed
What is retreatism
To give up on social goals and striving for them
What is rebellion
To reject mainstream goals and create own goals
How does this explain criminal behaviour
Innovators will develop illegitimate means to reach their goals and rebels will develop their own rules, leaving them unlikely to follow laws of society
Strengths of strain
Merton gives a reason for wht crime happens, evidence to support the idea that strains leads to crime
Weaknesses of strain theory
Assumes everyones goals are the same, it lacks empirical evidence
