General strain theory (GST) is a criminological theory that seeks to explain the causes of crime and delinquency. Developed by Robert Agnew in 1992, GST suggests that negative emotions, such as fear, disappointment, depression, anger, and frustration, play a crucial role in motivating individuals to engage in criminal behavior. According to this theory, when individuals experience strains or stressors, they are more likely to engage in criminal activities as a means of coping with these negative emotions.
Understanding General Strain Theory
General strain theory focuses on the relationship between strains and criminal behavior. Strains refer to negative events or circumstances that individuals experience in their lives. These strains can be categorized into three main types:
1. Failure to achieve positively valued goals: This refers to situations where individuals are unable to attain goals that they perceive as important or desirable. For example, a person who aspires to get a high-paying job but faces repeated rejections may experience strain.
2. Removal of positively valued stimuli: This occurs when individuals lose something they value, such as the death of a loved one, a breakup, or the loss of a job. These events can lead to feelings of sadness, grief, and frustration, which can contribute to strain.
3. Presentation of negatively valued stimuli: This involves the presence of negative events or circumstances that individuals find unpleasant or aversive. Examples include experiencing bullying, discrimination, or abuse, which can lead to feelings of anger, resentment, and powerlessness.
According to general strain theory, it is not only the presence of strains that leads to criminal behavior but also the individual’s emotional response to those strains. Negative emotions resulting from strains create pressure and a need to cope. Criminal behavior is seen as a potential coping mechanism for individuals to alleviate their negative emotions.
Coping Mechanisms and Crime
General strain theory suggests that individuals have different coping mechanisms to deal with the strains they experience. While some individuals may engage in healthy coping strategies such as seeking social support, problem-solving, or engaging in positive activities, others may resort to crime and delinquency as a way to cope with their negative emotions.
Engaging in criminal behavior can provide temporary relief from the strain and negative emotions experienced. For example, an individual who has been repeatedly rejected from job applications may resort to theft or fraud as a means of acquiring money and alleviating financial strain. Similarly, someone who has been a victim of bullying may resort to violence as a way to regain a sense of power and control.
Factors Influencing the Relationship Between Strains and Crime
General strain theory recognizes that not all individuals respond to strains in the same way. Several factors influence the likelihood of an individual engaging in criminal behavior as a response to strains:
1. Magnitude of the strain: The severity and intensity of the strain experienced by an individual play a role in determining their response. Strains that are perceived as significant or highly impactful are more likely to result in criminal behavior.
2. Perception of injustice: Individuals are more likely to engage in criminal behavior if they perceive the strain as unfair or unjust. When strains are seen as undeserved, individuals may feel a sense of anger or resentment, which can motivate them to seek revenge or act out criminally.
3. Social control: The presence or absence of social control mechanisms in an individual’s life also influences their response to strains. Strong social bonds, positive relationships, and effective social control can act as protective factors, reducing the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior.
4. Pressure or incentive for criminal coping: The existence of external pressures or incentives that encourage individuals to engage in criminal behavior as a coping mechanism can also contribute to the likelihood of criminal involvement. For example, if an individual perceives that engaging in criminal activities will provide them with financial gain or social status, they may be more inclined to resort to crime.
Implications and Criticisms of General Strain Theory
General strain theory has significant implications for understanding and preventing criminal behavior. By addressing the underlying strains that individuals experience and providing alternative coping mechanisms, interventions can be designed to reduce the likelihood of criminal involvement.
However, like any theory, general strain theory is not without its criticisms. Some critics argue that it places too much emphasis on individual motivations and fails to consider broader social factors that contribute to crime. Additionally, the theory has been criticized for its limited focus on certain types of strains, such as economic strains, while neglecting other important sources of strain, such as institutional discrimination or societal inequalities.
Despite these criticisms, general strain theory continues to be a valuable framework for understanding the relationship between strains, negative emotions, and criminal behavior. It provides insights into the complex interplay between individual experiences and criminal involvement, offering avenues for further research and intervention strategies in the field of criminology.