The Theory Of General Strain Theory Essay - 1831 Words

Introduction 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 motivation for the delinquency (Agnew, 1992). He states that certain strains and stresses increase the likelihood for crime such as economic deprivation, child abuse, and discrimination. These factors can cause an increase of crime through a range of negative emotions. For some people it can take a lot of willpower to take a corrective action and try to deter away from committing crime in a way that they can relieve these negative emotions. When people cannot cope with the stresses of the strain, the y turn to crime as a coping mechanism. Agnew also states, that not all people that experience the stresses of strain will go forward to committing crime and live a deviant life. Agnew assumes that all people of all social classes experience and deal with frustration when experiencing a great amount of stress. The general strain theory bridges the gap between the poor and the rich. The stresses of strain is a universal feeling that every individual experiences at some point in time of their life.Show MoreRelatedThe Theory And General Strain Theory1262 Words   |  6 PagesA 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. 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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