The Theory And General Strain Theory - 1262 Words

A theory is described, as an idea or set of ideas generally intended to explain, to prove facts or events. Theory can be an idea that is suggested or presented as possibly true, that is not an ideas that relates to a particular subject (Merriam-Webster, 2015). Theory is an explanation of something. Theories in criminal behavior explains why an individual commits criminal and delinquent acts. This paper will compare and contrast two theories of crime or criminal activities that was discuss in this course. The two theories identified are Strain theory and General strain theory. Strain theories are indicated when certain strains or stressors are increased, there is a probability for a person to commit a crime. According to Robert Merton, strain theory is a form of adaptive problem-solving behavior that is committed in response to problems involving frustrating and undesirable social environments (Schmalleger, 2011). Strain results from an individual failure to achieve one’s goals, such as money, status/respect, autonomy, loss of a positive (death of a friend or love one), and loss of value possession. Strain can be thought of as pressure that individuals feel to reach socially determined goals (Agnew, 2015). A person who experience these strains become upset, which they may turn to crime in an effort to cope. By doing so, crime may be an escape or reduction for them to escape this feeling. Historically in 1960s and 1970s, the thoughts of several criminologist such asShow MoreRelatedThe Theory Of General Strain Theory Essay1831 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction In the 1980’s, Criminologist, Robert Agnew, presented his theory of general strain, in which he covers a range of negative behaviors, especially how adolescents deal with stresses of strain. General strain theory focuses on the source, such as anything that changes in the individual’s life that causes strain. His theory provides a different outlook on social control and social learning theory for two reasons: the type of social relationship that leads to delinquency and the motivationRead MoreThe General Strain Theory, And General Integrated Theory853 Words   |  4 PagesThis final theory is an extension of Hirschi s (1979) original idea of micro and macro dimensions which are called cross-level or multilevel integrations (Barak, 2002). The general strain theory is also known as cross-level or multilevel integrations including the reintegrative shaming theory, power control theory, control balance theory and general integrated theory (Barak, 2002). These theories co mbine theories like social bonding and social learning theories with structural theories such as socialRead MoreGeneral Strain Theory And The Contingency Theory Essay980 Words   |  4 PagesThis theory analysis paper will be discussing The General Strain Theory and The Contingency Theory. This paper will provide the reader with a brief summary of each theory so that terms and examples will be understood by all. In this paper there will be issues that can correlate with each theory. I will also input my personal opinions on what I believe are the strengths and weaknesses of each theory in detail. Strain theory was derived from the work of Émile Durkheim and Robert Merton and taken fromRead MoreThe General Strain Theory Of Criminology Essay1521 Words   |  7 PagesBefore we embark on description and analysis of a General Strain Theory of criminology, it is important to, first of all, understand the meaning of the term criminology. Criminology, as defined by the two social theorists, Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham of Italy and England respectively in their classical school of criminology, is the scientific study of crime, its causes, law enforcement as well as prevention measures taken to curb and control the crime in this case. Despite the fact thatRead More The General Strain Theory Essay2128 Words   |  9 PagesProposed Topic Exploring the role of negative emotions among murderers in a population of federal offenders: the General Strain Theory Introduction The General Strain Theory (GST) states that people who commit crimes are pressured into them by negative emotions that result from a variety of life strains. Negative emotions cause them to feel in a negative way and thus creating pressure on them to act in a variety of ways, with crime and violence being one possible response. GST has been exploredRead MoreThe General Strain Theory Of Social Psychology1647 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction The general strain theory has developed into among the greatest crime theories of social psychology with a fairly developed research body. General Strain Theory is thought to be a strong philosophy, and has gathered a lot of experimental confirmation, and has additionally extended its essential degree by offering clarifications of wonders outside of criminal conduct. There are diverse negative relationships with strain or stress that result in negative emotions along with encouragingRead MoreThe General Strain Theory By Robert Merton1352 Words   |  6 PagesThe General Strain Theory-Susan Smith In 1995, a very heinous, mysterious crime was committed the murder of two innocent boys by their mother. This crime was thought to be completely unexplainable. This mother convinced America that a black man had stole her car and kidnapped her children. Little did we know this suicidal woman would be capable of committing such a crime. There are many theories that you can apply to this case. However the theory that fits it most closely is the general strain theoryRead MoreThe General Strain Theory Of Female Delinquency1253 Words   |  6 Pagestheories. A major theory used to explain female delinquency is the general strain theory (GST). According to Bartollas, â€Å"GST explains female delinquency by contending that many females experience harsh discipline, parental rejection, peer abuse, negative secondary school experience, homelessness, and a strong need for money;† these strains can cause females to cope through delinquent behavior (73). The social learning theory also ex plains female delinquency as â€Å"some females tend to associate withRead MoreThe General Strain Theory And Juvenile Delinquency1715 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction The general strain theory is an established theory that provides a basic understanding relating to different elements leading to specific criminal behaviors. The theory has been of importance in trying to map criminal patterns among individuals involved in criminal behavior, thereby creating a platform for their rehabilitation. The general strain theory has had a close connection to juvenile delinquency, as it creates a platform where psychologists can define some of the key factorsRead MoreAriels Story : General Strain Theory And The Theories Of Crime1228 Words   |  5 Pagesescalate. Criminologists have come up with various theories over the past decades to try and explain crime. There are several theories of crime that could be used to analyze and explain Corporan’s story. General strain theory, rational choice theory, attachment theory and control-balance theory all emphasize different parts of Corporan’s story to explain why he began committing crime. General Strain Theory General strain theory is a criminological theory proposed by Robert Agnew that assumes â€Å"people of