Strain/Anomie Theory
What do you do when bad
things happen?
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•
•
•
•
•
A parent abuses you
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 Strain Theory
Blocked
Goals
Negative
Emotions
Corrective
Actions
Merton’s (1938) Strain Theory:
A Critique of U.S. Society
• Critique #1:
• Critique #2:
Strain/Anomie: A Theory of
Deviant Motivation
• We are naturally law-abiding
• We break rules because of strain
• Strain originates in our social experience
Merton’s Anomie/Strain Model
Inequality
Crime
Culture emphasis on
ends over means
Merton’s Adaptations to Strain
Mode of
Adaptation
Conformity
Ritualism
Innovation
Retreatism
Rebellion
Adhere to
Cultural Goals
Adhere to
Legitimate Means
Cloward and Ohlin (1960):
Illegitimate Opportunities
Mainstream
Goals
Adaptation
Innovation
Yes
Retreatist
Retreatists:
No
Legitimate
Means
No
No
Illegitimate
Means
Albert K. Cohen (1955)
Strain/Oppositional Subculture
• Strain:
• Oppositional subculture:
Messner and Rosenfeld (1994)
Institutional Anomie Theory
• Institutional balance of power
• Institutional anomie (imbalance)
• The American Dream causes crime!
Institutional Anomie
Economic values
penetrate other
institutions
People less likely
to look out for
each other
Look out for self
Policy Implications
of Strain Theory
• Equalize opportunities for success
• De-emphasize material success goals
• Emphasize playing by the rules
• Strengthen non-economic social institutions