Strain Theory
HS Graduation Rates
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
USA
PA
Pittsburgh
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
White
Black
Hispanic
Source: US Census, 2000
Strain Theory is about
Deviant Motivation
• Assumption #1: We are all naturally lawabiding, if given the chance
• Assumption #2: We break rules when we
experience strain
• Assumption #3: Strain originates in our
social experience
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
Agnew’s (1992) Strain Theory
Blocked
Goals
Negative
Emotions
(mostly anger,
but also
anxiety and
depression)
Corrective
Actions
The American Dream
• Culturally valued goals
• Money, status, material objects
• Legitimate means
• Hard work, perseverance
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
Merton’s Adaptations to Strain
Mode of
Adaptation
Conformity
Adhere to
Cultural Goals
Yes
Adhere to
Legitimate Means
Yes
Ritualism
No
Yes
Innovation
Yes
No
Retreatism
No
No
Rebellion
Reject culture, strive for change
Can use legitimate means or not
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)
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
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
Policy Implications
of Strain Theory
• Equalize opportunities for success
• De-emphasize material success goals
• Re-emphasize playing by the rules