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Strain Theory Assignment Help

As per the strain theory in criminology, the strains are mainly the aspects that increase the likelihood of a crime taking place. Strains are such factors that lead to the growth of negative emotions within a person which ultimately leads them to commit a crime. Some of the common strain factors include frustration, anger, cruelty, and others. These emotions lead to the pressure of taking corrective actions. The only possible response in such a case is a crime. When a criminal mindset is developed with a negative behavioral attitude, there is a high chance that the crime will be committed.

How does strain theory explain crime?

Strain theory suggests that there are certain specific stressors or strains which can increase the likelihood of a person committing a crime. Usually, these strains are associated with certain emotions which include anger, frustration, or revenge. These emotions cause pressure inside the mind of the subject in order to provoke corrective actions with crime being one of them. This crime can be a source of reducing or escaping the stress or seeking revenge against the source of this stress, called target. Strain theory has different versions but all of them suggest that only a minority of strained individuals choose the path of crime. This is because the human mind classifies the crime as a very difficult activity. Alternatively, some may resort to drugs or illegal activities to reduce strain. Some examples which explain these concepts involve include people getting involved in violence to reduce harassment, stealing in order to reduce financial issues, or running away in order to escape abuses. Taking illicit drugs is also a part of this response to strain which supposedly makes them feel better. Some people may bear the stress, pain, and the idea of revenge for a long time which builds up this criminal mentality over a long period of time. It can lead to people showing an outburst of activities over any small issue in order to release that long-stored stress or some engaging in big plans to slowly take revenge for their wrongdoings.

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What are the types of strain theory?

There are certain types of strain theory as per criminology. They are discussed as follows:

Relative Deprivation Theory:

Relative deprivation refers to the perceptions of people of their well-being in comparison to others. When a person is comparing their lives with others, they tend to compare the way they are at resent, that is, they try to relate their health and well-being with them, their relationship status, income stats, prestige and powers, and other aspects as well. They tend to get jealous of the success or the betterment of the individuals. This is negativity which one intends to show others. They continuously think about it, making their own lives miserable and complicated. It is not always the fact that an individual has less than the other, it is mostly the fact that the individual is not happy with what they have and tends to cause a crime in order to obtain what others have.

General Strain Theory:

The General Strain theory suggests that there are certain specific stressors or strains which can increase the likelihood of a person committing a crime. Usually, these strains are associated with certain emotions which include anger, frustration, or revenge. These emotions cause pressure inside the mind of the subject in order to provoke corrective actions with crime being one of them. This crime can be a source of reducing or escaping the stress or seeking revenge against the source of this stress, called target. Strain theory has different versions but all of them suggest that only a minority of strained individuals choose the path of crime. This theory helps in depicting the aspects which are limited to lower class crime, and in combining it with other theoretical concepts such as social control, social disorganization, and emotions.

Institutional Anomie Theory:

As per this theory, the rate at which crimes take place in an organization is dependent upon the pressure of culture which is extended from economic goals. As per this theory, crime is the direct consequence of the dominance of economic aspects over the other sectors of society. Social control declines over time and utilitarian behavior increases resulting in crime.

Anomie Theory:

The last one is the anomie theory. This is mainly based on the lack of proper social and ethical standards within the organization. The lack of proper rules and regulations in a society helps in increasing the rate at which crime is increasing. This is one of the major problems in the majority of the areas around the world. The lack of administrative control over the people leads to this issue mainly.

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What are the main sources of strain?

The major sources of strains in the strain theory can be classified into three major types and they are a failure in achieving goals, the existence of harmful objectives to be achieved, and the loss or removal of positive impulses. All these factors are largely responsible for the commitment of crimes in society. Often people fail to achieve their goals within the organizations and they are frustrated with their performance and lives. They develop negative thoughts regarding the ways in which the goals can be achieved within the organizations. Not only is that, once the person is determined to commit the crime or do something unlawful then it is very difficult to prevent them from doing it. The loss of positivity in the work environment can also lead a person to commit crimes. At times people could not help but commit crimes due to the external environment or the work environment. Thus, it is very important to maintain a proper workplace and perform analysis of the activities of the people in the society. Taking care of the needs of the people or administration proper rules and regulations can help in combating the issues of strain in criminology. This helps in the development of healthy habits and well being of the individuals and enhances positivity as well.

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