Personal Criminological Theory Paper

All individuals have the ability to conform to the rules and norms of society. Merton’s Strain Theory suggests people feel strain when they are unable to attain society’s goals and/or beliefs. Then, because they are not able to appropriately achieve these goals in the way society says to, some will do so by committing criminal behaviors. This theory also explains, in society there are

Two strengths of Merton’s strain theory include that strain theory specifies how one may adaptto social strain. Merton’s typology categorizes individuals’ modes of adaptations and helps to explain how and why different individuals with different positions in the social structure are effectively “pushed” into different types of conforming and deviant behaviors to understand how they may become deviant. In addition, Merton’s strain theory also helps to explain higher crime rates among the disadvantaged and how cultural norms create conflict and crime. This is why policy societal institutions have pushed to focus on fixing institutionalized means (Example: Brazil & US affirmative

To prevent crime, it is imperative that the law enforcement agencies and scholars examine why people commit crime. A number of theories have emerged and many still continue to be explored in exclusion and in combination to seek the best solutions that can ultimately reduce the types and the levels of crime. One such theory that is still being explored is social disorganization theory. According to this theory people's tendency to take part in criminal activities is largely determined by the neighborhood where they are brought up in especially if conditions favorable to crime and delinquency prevail in such places. When communities becomes incapable of realizing common goals and solve problems that its residents face, there is a high likelihood that its residents will engage in criminal activities (Sampson & Grove, 1989). Some of the problems that are likely to increase incidences of crime in neighborhoods when communities fail to address them are poverty, residential mobility, ethnic heterogeneity, and weak social networks. They decrease a neighborhood's capacity to control the behavior of people in public.

Control theory, Anomie theory and Strain theory provide very different explanations of why people commit crimes based upon assumptions about how humans function. Control theory suggests that humans are naturally drawn to breaking the law. Humans are driven to fulfill their needs and desires. Crime provides one method by which humans can reach their goals. Control theorists would thus ask why everyone does not turn to crime to meet their wants and needs. The question shifts from the typical why do people commit crime to why do people not commit crime (Cullen and Agnew, 2011). Hirschi suggest that crime and social bonds are linked, such that crime occurs in absence of a strong social bond. The four elements of the social bonds are

The strain theory, developed by Robert K. Merton in 1957 is not only a criminology theory but it is a sociology theory as well stating that individuals do indulge in crimes because the society exerts pressure and puts a lot of strain on them while they are on the process of achieving socially acceptable goals. A good example of this socially acceptable goal is the American Dream whereas examples of crimes committed under strain theory include

The evolution of sociological theories of crime was created in the 19th century and continues to develop today. Strain, social learning, and control theories are the three major sociological theories. The Strain Theory states there are pressure to achieve socially and culturally set goals. Though without the means to achieve these goals creates a burden which pressures individuals to committing crime. Social Structure Theory considers that society affects individuals to choose to commit crimes. According to Social Learning Theory, juveniles learn to engage in crime in the same way they learn to engage in conforming behavior: through association with or exposure to

These theories paved the way for more modern theories that focus on biology, psychology and sociology. When Classical theorist began using scientific method to uncover the motive behind crimes, they opened the door for widening the view of criminology. Now, criminologists have various avenues of information to understand why criminals commit the crimes they do and it how to prevent them from happening

In sociology and criminology, strain theory states that social structures within society may pressure citizens to commit crime. Following on the work of Émile Durkheim, Strain Theories have been advanced by Robert King Merton (1957), Albert K. Cohen(1955), Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin (1960), Neil Smelser (1963), Robert Agnew (1992), and Steven Messner and Richard Rosenfeld (1994). Strain may be either: Structural: this refers to the processes at the societal level which filter down and affect how the individual perceives his or her needs, i.e. if particular social structures are inherently inadequate or there is inadequate regulation, this may change the individual's perceptions as to means and opportunities; or individual: this refers to the frictions and pains experienced by an individual as he or she looks for ways to satisfy his or her needs, i.e. if the goals of a society become significant to an individual, actually achieving them may become more important than the means adopted.

The initial strain theory which was inspired by Emile Durkheim’s anomie, was created by Robert K. Merton in 1938. (Tibbetts & Hemmens, 2015, p.222). Merton came up with this theory after observing the Great Depression and how poverty produced crime in America (Tibbetts & Hemmens, 2015, p.223). During this time in history, many Americans lost their jobs and were unable to provide for their families. Not only did poverty rise throughout the nation, but crime grew rapidly(Tibbetts & Hemmens, 2015, p.222). Shanty towns formed all over the United States, not to mention that illnesses such as tuberculosis, renal diseases, and pneumonia were also a factor. Being in the midst of economic failure, poverty, and disease, many Americans began to commit unlawful acts such as stealing, suicide, and murder (Tibbetts & Hemmens, 2015, p.222). Strain theories express how certain emotions such as frustration and being under pressure can influence crime (Tibbetts & Hemmens, 2015, p.222). The American dream according to Merton was that if individuals have a strong work ethic, they will obtain success in the end (Tibbetts & Hemmens, 2015, p.223). Being educated

As a police executive, the study of criminological theories would help not only the leadership of a department, but it would benefit the entire department as well. Many theories discussed in this course, as well as outside of it attempt to understand, predict and prevent criminal behavior.

Strain theory is one of the sociological theories related to violent behavior. Proponents of strain theory assert that violent behavior is as a result of lack of failure in fulfillment of personal aspirations. In everyday life, individual set goals that they wish to attain at a certain time. The achievement of goals calls for some struggle and commitment. However, when individuals put a lot of strain in order to achieve their goals and fail, they get disappointed. According to strain theorists, when individuals do not achieve their target in acquiring wealth and power, which are disproportionately distributed in the society, they opt to engage in violence in order to acquire them (Agnew,

Each person at some point develops their own personal goals for their life. These goals can range anywhere from owning that perfect home with a white picket fence, becoming a famous artist or athlete, earning a degree and landing that dream job, or becoming a person of high social stature. These life goals can be a product of societal influences and expectations. However, what happens when these goals seem to be unachievable for a person? The strain theory that was developed by Robert Merton sheds light onto a possible answer for that question. The strain theory suggests that people put emphasis on achieving certain life goals or obtaining certain objects in their lives due to societal influences and pressures. When those goals or objects can’t be obtained stress is caused and it can influence more people to commit crimes. The strain theory separates people into four different paths when these goals can’t be achieved, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism, and Rebellion.

Strain theory states that strain increase the chance of committing crime. These strains can lead to anger and frustration which can lead to crime. People in this theory use crime as a way to escape their strain and a way

According to Niño et.al’s (2017) “Social Isolation and Youth Violence,” the article depicts the subject of general strain theory and how it could lead to criminality. Two

Emile Durkheim developed the first mod ern strain theory of crime and deviance, but Merton’s classical strain of theory came to dominant criminology during the middle part of the 20th century (“Strain theories - criminology - Oxford bibliographies - obo,” 2017). Classic strain theory focuses on the type of strain involving inability to achieve success or focused on a broader goal of the middle-class status (“Strain theories - criminology - Oxford bibliographies - obo,” 2017). Robert Agnew developer of general strain theory in 1992, becoming the most leading version of strain theory and major theories of crime (“Strain theories - criminology - Oxford bibliographies - obo,” 2017). General strain theory focuses on a wide range of strains including the inability to achieve a variety of goals, loss of balanced passions ad negative treatment by others (“Strain theories - criminology - Oxford bibliographies - obo,” 2017). General strain theory deviates the explanation of race, gender, ethnic, age, communities and society differences in crime rates (“Strain theories - criminology - Oxford bibliographies - obo,” 2017). People that gravitate to general strain theory are more likely to relieve less support that increases the crime of rate.