Many people experience strain in their daily lives. How we deal with it will determine whether we commit crimes or resort to harder work. Robert K. Merton developed the strain theory. Strain theory, as I see it, suggests that people are motivated to commit crimes by social values and norms. This is because there is a gap in their goals and their achievements. The theory also suggests that money, education and honesty are acceptable goals. These goals are less likely for people with different socio-economic statuses. Those who struggle to reach them are more likely than those who are. My interpretation of the question is: “Is strain the best explanation for why people commit crime?” However, I think strain theory is convincing. It is the coping strategies that leads to crime. This is explained by 1. Indirectly causing crime are the most common strains. Factors which cause stress and 3. Strategies for coping.
This sequence shows that stress is caused by circumstances and then leads to coping methods which eventually lead to criminality. In this manner, both strain inflicts on the victim. Crime can also be caused by coping strategies, rather than strain directly. Financial stability, material wealth and improved social status are just a few of the goals. While society emphasizes the importance of achieving these goals through hard work and honesty, there are laws and systems in place that can prevent people with lower socioeconomic status reaching them. One of the most famous systems is the school-to-prison pipeline. This refers to a path that almost directly links the education system with the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems. Verdugo, Glen and others found that children who have received a reduced lunch are more likely be removed from school. (Verdugo & Glenn 8). Individuals who are suspended may be labeled negatively. Labeling can lead to the person expressing their primary deviancy. This is basically the opposite of what they are supposed to do. A person with a lower socioeconomic status is less likely to be disciplined at school and to develop bad habits that hinder them from reaching their goals. This can lead to strain. It is also extremely difficult for society to accept social status via culturally acceptable means. Many scholars claim that lower socioeconomic groups, particularly juveniles, are more likely to turn to gangs for social status. They can gain money, respect and social status by using unacceptable methods rather than learning positive coping skills (Anderson 75). Elijah Anderson argues that these individuals need to “campaign” for respect on the streets. These means can lead to criminality as people will continue to seek respect. People who are unable or unwilling to earn respect through acceptable cultural means resort to criminality. As I already mentioned, being disciplined in secondary school is a sure way to make you a criminal (Agnew 2005, 2006.b). Strain can cause negative emotional reactions that in turn can lead crime. It is an alternative to coping with stress through positive methods. (Agnew, Brezina 104). These types of strains can all lead to criminality if people fail to reach their goals or are unable or unwilling/unable to deal with positive situations.
In general, strain can lead to crime and negative coping. It is possible for people to see their efforts as insufficient and to accept that they cannot reach their goals. For example, a qualified candidate, often a minority, applies for a job that requires their skills and education. They are called for an interview. It may go well, but they will likely hear the rejection news days later. This can happen frequently and anyone could be affected. Baron 425. Discrimination is the number one reason people don’t have jobs. This is why discrimination causes unemployment. However, society is designed in such a way that it is not just. Some may choose to continue looking for work, while others may react with frustration that is more likely to cause strain. We can see that discrimination leads to unemployment.
In addition, a person might resort to crime when they feel stressed out or are not able to reach their goals. People are more inclined to commit crimes when they don’t have financial stability. Baron 420 states that drug dealing is more common when people are unable to find work or are unhappy about their financial situation. People who live in extreme poverty are under severe strain. They are also in a situation where their current and future goals are not in line. This statement is correct, however, it ignores the fact drug crime can be motivated not only by money, but also because of respect in the street, which I already mentioned. They might do this to make money, or to get respect. Low social control can also lead to negative coping. For example, someone may experience rejection from family members or peers and feel isolated. They may react with anger or frustration when confronted with a situation where they are without a job or social status. This would undoubtedly lead to criminality. We see that there are many factors that make people more vulnerable to being affected by strains, such as discrimination, extreme poverty, and rejection. This can lead to increased crime.
There are many ways people can cope with the strains. You can cope with strain by lowering your expectations. Research has shown that those of lower income do not feel strain (Agnew, 67). What happens if the expectations are not just lower? There are many reasons why some individuals display these negative emotions and engage in delinquent peer relationships. Many scholars believe that lower-class individuals have difficulty achieving the social status of the middle class. Cohen suggested that people of lower classes may create a status system through gangs (Agnew 98). This is how lower-class people achieve their “alternate status” through gangs. Further, people are more likely to commit crime when they are around delinquent friends. Low social control, as mentioned previously, can lead to criminality.
