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.
Facts
Core ClaimSourced to the subject's own accountA 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 Standing CritiqueSourced to the subject's own accountA 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 Cross-Tradition Connections
Developed By
Informed
General strain theory generalizes Merton's classic strain theory beyond blocked economic goals to a broader range of strains and negative emotions.
Cohen built his account of status frustration on Merton's strain framework, applied to working class boys measured against middle class standards.
Informed By
Robert K. Merton adapted Durkheim's concept of anomie into strain theory's account of how blocked goals produce crime.
Sources
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