Strain theories of crime try to explain why some people turn to criminal or delinquent behavior when they face difficulties or pressures in life. These theories suggest that when people cannot achieve their goals through normal or legal ways, they may feel frustrated and use crime sas a way to cope with this strain.

Merton’s Strain Theory (1968)

The sociologist Robert K. Merton introduced one of the earliest strain theories. He argued that when people’s opportunities to achieve success are blocked, they experience strain or frustration, leading to crime. Merton called this state anomie or normlessness.

For example: in American society, monetary success is considered very important. But a lower-class child whose parents cannot provide enough money for good education may feel blocked from this goal. That child may turn to crime, like drug selling, to achieve success illegally. 

However, research has not strongly supported Merton’s theory, and today it is mostly of historical interest. Other scholars like Cloward and Ohlin (1960) argued that strain is more likely to lead to crime if the person belongs to a deviant subculture.

 

Relative Deprivation Theory

        Later, more social-psychological versions of strain theory appeared. Relative deprivation theory suggests that crime comes from inequality and the feelings of deprivation it creates. Importantly, deprivation is measured not by absolute poverty but by comparison with others.

For example: a poor person may not feel deprived if everyone around them is also poor. But if their friends are wealthier, they may feel deprived and frustrated, which can lead to aggression or crime.

 

Agnew’s General Strain Theory

One of the most influential modern versions is Agnew’s General Strain Theory (GST).  Agnew argued that strain happens when people are treated badly or not as they expect, which causes negative emotions like anger, fear, depression, or disappointment. This emotional distress can pressure them into delinquency or crime.

Agnew identified two types of strain:

  • Objective strain: Stressful events that most people would find negative, such as hunger or homelessness.
  • Subjective strain: Stress that depends on the individual. For example, being rejected for a job may be very stressful for one person but not for another.

Agnew also identified three major categories of strain:

  1. Failure to achieve positively valued goals (similar to Merton’s idea).
    This includes: 
    A mismatch between aspirations and expectations. 
    A mismatch between achievements and expectations. 
    A mismatch between what is fair and the actual outcome. For young people, important goals include status, respect, and autonomy.
  2. Loss of positive things in life (or threat of loss), such as a breakup of a relationship.
  3. Exposure to negative treatment or stimuli, such as physical abuse.

Agnew emphasized that anger is the most important negative emotion because it motivates people to correct or fight back against their situation.

Factors that increase the chance of delinquency under strain:

  • If the strain is perceived as unjust.
  • If the strain is very severe, long-lasting, or recent.
  • If the young person lacks social control (e.g., no supportive family).
  • If the person has models for deviant coping strategies (e.g., criminal peers).

Not all people cope with strain in the same way. Coping resources like self-esteem, intelligence, and social support can make a difference.
Some strains are more strongly linked to delinquency, such as:

  • Child abuse and neglect.
  • Harsh or inconsistent parenting.
  • Rejection by parents.
  • Homelessness.

Strengths:

  1. Research Support: Froggio (2007) reviewed many studies in the past decade that tested this theory. The results show some support, but not full support.
  2. Life Experiences and Crime: Studies found that negative life experiences (like poverty, family conflict, or failure) can lead to anger, and sometimes to other negative emotions, which can increase delinquent or criminal behavior.
  3. Wide Explanation: The theory explains many types of deviant behavior and crime, so it has a broad scope.
  4. Psychological Relevance: It is especially useful in forensic and criminal psychology because it is a psychological approach that looks at how people’s emotions and social situations affect their actions.
  5. Level of Analysis: The theory works at a socio-psychological level, meaning it combines both social factors (like environment) and psychological factors (like emotions).

Weaknesses:

  1. Still Developing: The theory is not fully complete. Some of its principles are still being tested, so its overall strength and accuracy are not yet fully known.

References (APA 7 Format)

  1. Agnew, R. (1992). Foundation for a general strain theory of crime and delinquency. Criminology, 30(1), 47–88.
  2. Cloward, R. A., & Ohlin, L. E. (1960). Delinquency and opportunity: A theory of delinquent gangs. Free Press.
  3. Froggio, G. (2007). Strain and juvenile delinquency: A critical review of Agnew’s general strain theory. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 12(4), 383–408.
  4. Howitt, D. (2018). Introduction to forensic and criminal psychology (6th ed.). Pearson.
  5. Merton, R. K. (1968). Social theory and social structure (Revised ed.). Free Press.
  6. (Original work published 1938)