1. Strain/Anomie Theory

2. 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

3. Agnew’s Strain Theory Blocked Goals Negative Emotions Corrective
Actions

4. Merton’s (1938) Strain Theory: A Critique of U.S. Society

5. Strain/Anomie: A Theory of Deviant Motivation
We are naturally law-abiding
We break rules because of strain
Strain originates in our social experience

6. Merton’s Anomie/Strain Model
Inequality
Crime
Culture emphasis on
ends over means

7. Merton’s Adaptations to Strain
Mode of
Adaptation
Adhere to
Cultural Goals
Legitimate Means
Conformity
Ritualism
Innovation
Retreatism
Rebellion
Read !

8. Cloward and Ohlin (1960): Illegitimate Opportunities
Adaptation
Mainstream Goals
Legitimate Means
Illegitimate Means
Innovation
Yes No
Retreatist
Retreatists:

9. Albert K. Cohen (1955) Strain/Oppositional Subculture

10. Messner and Rosenfeld (1994) Institutional Anomie Theory
Institutional balance of power
Institutional anomie (imbalance)
The American Dream causes crime!

11. Institutional Anomie Economic values penetrate other institutions
People less likely
to look out for
each other
Look out for self

12. Policy Implications of Strain Theory
Equalize opportunities for success
De-emphasize material success goals
Emphasize playing by the rules
Strengthen non-economic social institutions