Strain Theory

HS Graduation Rates
90%
80%
70%
60%
50% USA
40% PA
Pittsburgh
30%
20%
10%
0%
White Black Hispanic

Source: US Census, 2000

 Strain Theory is about
Deviant Motivation
• Assumption #1: We are all naturally law-
abiding, 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 Negative Corrective

Goals Emotions Actions
(mostly anger,
but also
anxiety and
depression)
 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 Adhere to Adhere to
Adaptation Cultural Goals Legitimate Means
Conformity Yes 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