Strain Theories - Criminology - Lecture Slides, Slides of Criminology

Download Strain Theories - Criminology - Lecture Slides and more Slides Criminology in PDF only on Docsity! Strain/Anomie Theory docsity.com What do you do when bad things happen? • 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 docsity.com Strain/Anomie: A Theory of Deviant Motivation • We are naturally law-abiding • We break rules because of strain • Strain originates in our social experience docsity.com Merton’s Anomie/Strain Model Inequality Crime Culture emphasis on ends over means docsity.com Merton’s Adaptations to Strain Mode of Adaptation Adhere to Cultural Goals Adhere to Legitimate Means Conformity Ritualism Innovation Retreatism Rebellion docsity.com Messner and Rosenfeld (1994) Institutional Anomie Theory • Institutional balance of power • Institutional anomie (imbalance) • The American Dream causes crime! docsity.com Institutional Anomie Economic values penetrate other institutions People less likely to look out for each other Look out for self docsity.com Policy Implications of Strain Theory • Equalize opportunities for success • De-emphasize material success goals • Emphasize playing by the rules • Strengthen non-economic social institutions docsity.com