Strain theory is a theoretical perspective in sociology and criminology that aims to explain the relationship between social structure, social values or goals, and crime. It suggests that when individuals experience strain or stress due to the discrepancy between their aspirations and the means available to achieve them, they are more likely to engage in criminal behavior as a way to cope with or resolve this strain.
The ideas underlying strain theory were first advanced in the 1930s by American sociologist Robert K. Merton, whose work on the subject became especially influential in the 1950s. Merton argued that societies have cultural goals, such as wealth, success, and social status, that are valued and desired by individuals. However, not everyone has equal access to the legitimate means to achieve these goals. This creates a strain or tension between the aspirations of individuals and the opportunities available to them.
Merton developed five modes of adaptation to cultural strain: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion. Conformity refers to individuals who accept both the cultural goals and the means to achieve them. They follow the socially approved paths to success and do not engage in criminal behavior. Innovation, on the other hand, refers to individuals who accept the cultural goals but resort to illegal or deviant means to achieve them. They may engage in activities such as theft or drug dealing to attain material wealth or social status.
Ritualism occurs when individuals reject the cultural goals but continue to conform to the means. They give up on achieving success or wealth but still adhere to the socially accepted rules and norms. Retreatism refers to individuals who reject both the cultural goals and the means to achieve them. They withdraw from society and may turn to substance abuse or other forms of escapism. Rebellion is the final mode of adaptation, where individuals reject the existing cultural goals and means and seek to replace them with alternative goals and means. They may engage in revolutionary or activist behavior to challenge the existing social order.
One of the main weaknesses in Merton’s conception of strain theory is its focus on economic goals and material success. Critics argue that it fails to account for other forms of strain, such as strain resulting from discrimination, social exclusion, or lack of educational opportunities. Additionally, strain theory does not explain why some individuals who experience strain do not resort to criminal behavior but instead find legal and non-deviant ways to cope with their stress.
To address these limitations, other criminologists have further developed strain theory. For example, Robert Agnew’s general strain theory expands on Merton’s ideas by considering a broader range of strains and factors that influence the likelihood of criminal coping. Agnew argues that strain can result from various sources, including the failure to achieve goals, the removal of positive stimuli, and the presence of negative stimuli. He suggests that individuals are more likely to engage in criminal behavior when they lack the necessary coping mechanisms or when they perceive crime as a viable option to alleviate their strain.
In conclusion, strain theory criminology provides a valuable framework for understanding the relationship between social structure, social values, and crime. It highlights the role of strain or stress in motivating individuals to engage in criminal behavior as a way to cope with or resolve their feelings of tension. While strain theory has its limitations, it continues to be a significant perspective in criminological research and offers insights into the complexities of criminal behavior.