1 / 12

Strain Theory

Strain Theory. Source: US Census, 2000. Strain Theory is about Deviant Motivation. Assumption #1 : We are all naturally law-abiding, if given the chance Assumption #2 : We break rules when we experience strain Assumption #3 : Strain originates in our social experience.

albert
Télécharger la présentation

Strain Theory

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Strain Theory

  2. Source: US Census, 2000

  3. Strain Theory is aboutDeviant Motivation • Assumption #1: We are all naturally law-abiding, if given the chance • Assumption #2: We break rules when we experience strain • Assumption #3: Strain originates in our social experience

  4. 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

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

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

  7. 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

  8. Merton’s Adaptations to Strain

  9. 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)

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. Policy Implicationsof Strain Theory • Equalize opportunities for success • De-emphasize material success goals • Re-emphasize playing by the rules

More Related