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Criminology Theories and Schools

Strain Theory

Social Structure and Strain Theories

A theory developed by Robert K. Merton holding that deviance is most likely to occur when there is a discrepancy between culturally prescribed goals, such as material success, and the legitimate means available to obtain them. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

Facts
Core ClaimSourced to the subject's own account
A gap between culturally valued goals and the legitimate means of reaching them generates pressure toward deviance. 1
Origin YearSourced to the subject's own account
1938 2
Standing CritiqueSourced to the subject's own account
A common criticism is that the theory applies best to lower-class offending, since it centers on the strain of pursuing culturally approved goals with limited legitimate means, and explains middle and upper class crime less well. 2
Connections

Associated With

Theft, Offenses

Merton's own worked example of the 'innovation' adaptation names theft directly (alongside organized crime and drug sales) as the illegitimate means pursued when the culturally approved goal of wealth is blocked by legitimate means.

Source Wikipedia: Strain Theory (Sociology)

Developed By

Robert K. Merton, Criminologists and Reformers
Source Wikipedia: Robert K. Merton

Informed

General Strain Theory, Criminology Theories and Schools

General strain theory generalizes Merton's classic strain theory beyond blocked economic goals to a broader range of strains and negative emotions.

Source Wikipedia: General Strain Theory
Subcultural Theory, Criminology Theories and Schools

Cohen built his account of status frustration on Merton's strain framework, applied to working class boys measured against middle class standards.

Source Wikipedia: Albert K. Cohen

Informed By

Anomie Theory, Criminology Theories and Schools

Robert K. Merton adapted Durkheim's concept of anomie into strain theory's account of how blocked goals produce crime.

Source Wikipedia: Anomie
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Robert K. Merton
  • Theory section
    Merton's contribution to sociology falls into three areas: (1) sociology of science; (2) sociology of crime and deviance; (3) sociological theory.
  • Developed By: Robert K. Merton
View the Source
2. Wikipedia: Strain Theory (Sociology)
  • Development section, 1938
    Strain theory was a sociological and criminological theory developed in 1938 by Robert K. Merton.
  • Criticisms section
    Strain theory has received several criticisms, such as: Strain theory best applies only to the lower class as they struggle with limited resources to obtain their goals.
  • Associated With: Theft, Merton's Theory section
    Innovators often resort to illegitimate means, to obtain the culturally approved goals (e.g. wealth).
View the Source
Wikipedia: General Strain Theory
Informed: General Strain Theory, Lead sectionView the Source
Wikipedia: Anomie
Informed By: Anomie Theory, History sectionView the Source
Wikipedia: Albert K. Cohen
Informed: Subcultural Theory, Work sectionView the Source
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