Strain_Theory

Robert Agnew developed the Foundation for a General Strain Theory of Crime and Delinquency. (a) Explain his argument, and be sure to include in your discussion comments on • The strain theory is the only theory that is focus explicitly on negative relationships with others (he or she is not treated as he she want), • The strain theory view as the result of pressure • The strain theory has a central role to play in explanations of delinquency/crime, but that the theory has to play this role. • The theory is written at the social-psychological level: it is focuses on the individual and his or her immediate social environment. • The theory focuses in adolescents because most of the data available is adolescents. • The strain theory like control and differential association are sociological theories.(they explain delinquency The strain theory argues that adolescents are pressured into delinquency by the negative affective states-most notably anger and related emotions- that often result from negative relationships. 1) the major types of strain Strain as the failure to achieve positively valued goals i. Three different types of goals for which members for the society strive are 1. Money is a cause of strain when it is not available to the individual through legitimate means found that monetary strain was related to crime in a limited fashion, and that the previous studies may not be accurately measuring all aspects of monetary goal blockage. The findings from this study do seem to confirm that delinquents desire to gain large amounts of money 2. Status and respect. This is an especially important factor in regard to masculine status. This type of status differs culturally, but in order for an individual to prove their masculinity, they may resort to crime to achieve that status. Traits that are associated with masculinity are often displayed through criminal behavior 3. Autonomy (valued in a society) Strain induced by autonomy mainly affects adolescents and the lower class because of their position in society. Agnew proposed that the need for autonomy can result in delinquency and crime, as the individual tried to assert autonomy, achieve autonomy, and relieve frustration against those who have denied the individual autonomy. These previous goals turn into strain when the individual is faced with certain disjunction in their life. 2) The removal of positively valued stimuli from the individual, The stress literature led him to the discovery that the removal of positive stimuli can also cause strain. the strain that is felt by the individual loss could lead the individual to delinquency as the individual attempts to prevent its loss, retrieve what was lost, or seek revenge on those who removed the positive stimuli. 3) strain as the presentation of negative stimuli, Some examples of negative stimuli that an adolescent might face are child abuse, neglect, adverse relations with parents and teachers, negative school experiences, adverse relations with peers, neighborhood problems, and homelessness. It was found that negative life events that include such things as parental unemployment, deaths in the family, and illness impose a strong impact by increasing delinquent behavior in adolescents. This type of strain has also been applied outside the realm of youths. 4) The links between strain and delinquency. Strain from the outside environment can cause many negative feelings in an individual including defeat, despair, and fear, but the feeling that is most applicable to crime is anger. Individuals become angry when they blame their negative circumstances and relationships on others. Anger and frustration may also enable the individual to justify crime. Individuals who are subject to repetitive strain may be more likely to commit crime or delinquent acts. General strain theory proposed that an increase in strain would lead to an increase in anger, which may then lead to an increase in crime