Criticisms of Merton’s Strain Theory
(Individual Level)
Is crime a “lower class” phenomena?
Cannot explain “expressive” crimes
Weak empirical support
Why do people “adapt” to strain in different ways?
Agnew (1992): General Strain Theory
Overhaul of Merton’s Strain Theory
Three types of strain
– Failure to achieve valued goals
– Removal of valued stimuli
– Can’t escape noxious stimuli
Commonality? All produce negative emotional states/feelings
– Put a “charge” into people, motivate reactions
Agnew (GST)
StrainNegative Affective States
– Anger, fear, frustration, depression
– Can lead to all sorts of delinqeuncy (not just economic crimes)
• Illegitamate channels for success (burglary, robbery)
• Attack or escape adversity (assault, truancy)
• Manage through drugs/alcohol
BUT, how do people react to these states?
– Merton: modes of adaptation, but why rebel vs. innovate vs. ritualism?
– Agnew: it depends on “coping ability”
Coping Strategies
Cognitive options
– “it’s not important,” “it’s not that bad,” “I deserve it”
Behavioral options
– constructively reduce strain, seek positive solution
Factors that facilitate coping
– intelligence, problem-solving skills, creativity…
Factors that inhibit coping
– delinquent peers, criminal disposition, weak social bonds, weak moral
beliefs...
Agnew (GST)
Tests of GST are favorable
But, is it “STRAIN” or something else?
– Very different from Merton
– Is this theory a theory of “Strain” or a theory of “STRESS?”
