Strain Theory Source US Census 2000 Strain Theory

Strain Theory

Source: US Census, 2000

Strain Theory is about Deviant Motivation • Assumption #1: We are all naturally lawabiding, if given the chance • Assumption #2: We break rules when we experience strain • Assumption #3: Strain originates in our social experience

What do you do when bad things happen? • • • A parent abuses you physically You fail a test you studied for Your partner dumps you Your dad dies suddenly Your parents get a divorce You become a crime victim

Agnew’s (1992) Strain Theory Blocked Goals Negative Corrective Emotions Actions (mostly anger, but also anxiety and depression)

The American Dream • Culturally valued goals • Money, status, material objects • Legitimate means • Hard work, perseverance

Merton’s (1938) Strain Theory: A Critique of U. S. Society • Critique #1: Our culture’s requirement that people achieve success (i. e. , wealth) is stronger than its requirement that they play by the rules to attain it • Critique #2: There is a mismatch between our culture’s universal success goals (wealth) and people’s differential access to the legitimate means to achieving those goals

Merton’s Adaptations to Strain Mode of Adaptation Conformity Adhere to Cultural Goals Yes Adhere to Legitimate Means Yes Ritualism No Yes Innovation Yes No Retreatism No No Rebellion Reject culture, strive for change Can use legitimate means or not

Albert Cohen: Strain Theory and Delinquent Subculture • Strain: Lower class youth fail to achieve middle class standards ( “middle class measuring rod”) -> strain (status frustration) • Reduce strain by creating an alternative status system a group solution to the problem of strain • Oppositional subculture: • Middle class values upside down • Explains non-utilitarian deviance (e. g. , vandalism)

Strain & “Anomie” in Society • Disjuncture between socially valued goals and legitimate means for achieving those goals • Anomie = a state of “normlessness” in society • Rules inspire less commitment • We don’t trust that others will follow rules

Overview of Strain Theories • Agnew’s Strain Theory • Blocked goals->negative emotion->corrective action • Merton’s Strain Theory • Success is valued more than playing by the rules • Differential access to legitimate means • Cohen’s Strain Theory • Oppositional/delinquent adaptation to status frustration

Policy Implications of Strain Theory • Equalize opportunities for success • De-emphasize material success goals • Re-emphasize playing by the rules