Analysis of Strain Theory in Criminology and its Impact on Violent Crime

Running Head: CRIMINAL LAW
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Criminology
6/9/2019

CRIMINAL LAW
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The essay brings about the discussion on the analysis and review of the criminology theories
and criminology, stating the impact on the behaviour by structures or social institutions.
The major objective behind implementation of criminology theories is to provide an
understanding of the crime, and criminal justice. The discussion here will be based on the
‘strain theory’ in context to the violent crime, in the society. Crime is a part of human nature,
and based on the biological, sociological, and other aspects of life (Thaxton and Agnew,
2018). Therefore, the essay will conduct an analysis of the strain theory, and influence on the
criminal behaviour of the individual in respect to the crime. This will develop an
understanding in the minds of readers, why these crimes are committed, and their leading
outcomes.
Strain theory is a theory developed by Robert K. Merton, in the year 1938, stating about the
pressure on the people living in the society. According to this theory, individuals in context
to any society are pressurized to attain specific goals, like American dream, in spite of the
lack of essential resources. This major factor creates strain on the mind of the individuals,
and forcing them to commit crimes. For an example, this leads to a greater involvement of
these individuals in illegal activities, such as drug selling, prostitution out of financial
insecurity (Broidy and Santoro, 2018).
Thus, crimes are an attempt to put an end to the strain like violence is used by the people to
put an end to the strain of harassment. As mentioned in the above discussion, drugs are used
to escape the impact of poor lifestyle. The occurrence of strain and the leading violent crimes
is dependent on the structuring of society, and the values. As the society that value
attainment of ‘success’ as a major phenomenon, but prevents some people attaining success,
such as poor or uneducated. This leads to the strain or pressure encouraging them to commit
crime, or engage in illegitimate activity (Short Jr, 2018).
Eriksson and Broidy (2017), stated that in this theory, it has been demonstrated that the strain
can be structural or individual. In other words, the criminology theory ‘strain theory’ often
state that there are some strain or stressors, leading to negative reactions, requiring a
corrective action to be taken. It has been found that people in United States are majorly
forced or encouraged to strive for attaining the cultural goals for the monetary success. In
the community, the lower-section people are encouraged or pressurized to achieve their
cultural goals. This is due to the aspect that they do not get access to different resources or

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education facilities, or skills to attain success. As a result, the people from the lower class
section feel disadvantaged or strained being a major part of the dysfunctioning. This
represents lack of effective functioning due to a wider gap or difference between their goals
and legitimate means to achieve them (Baek et al., 2019).
The authors Eriksson and Broidy (2017) through their study have understood that, certain
different ways to cope with strain, ‘crime’ to be one likely factor. Individuals, specifically in
their adulthood involve in many violent crimes such as selling drugs, and other illegitimate
means to accomplish their goals. This one way describes the link or association of the strain
theory with the violent crimes. Violent crime, can be defined as the crime wherein the
offender or perpetrator uses the means of force to threaten the victim. The crimes or
activities which are considered violent, often include crimes of harm against other person,
such as rape, sexual assault, or rape, and critical cases of property crimes , such as arson
(Schnell, Braga and Piza, 2017). Furthermore, the study has revealed that the strain theory
stresses that crime is found to be in the lower classes, rather than other sections. Low social
control has been considered another vital element of the strain theory, under which a person
has less control over lack of opportunities, and housing. A major strain is the pressure or
incentive to involve in the criminal activity, to cope with the stress of attaining cultural goals
(Peck et al., 2018).
The authors or researchers has also mentioned that several potential strains which are
complex, and there are no simple solutions. For an instance, the issues such as poverty, low
job, and housing unavailability are some of the vital issues leading to crimes. Another
example of these violent crimes can be stated for, Chicago as violent crimes are mainly
found at a higher rate in the region, leading to greater loss (Tatum, 2017).
Now, the concept of criminology has also stated the meaning of strain, which is sometimes
a real or perceived injustice. one major factor, is magnitude of the strain is defined by
analysing the impact of the criminal activity, in comparison to the fact of not committing the
crime. For an instance, a person involved in robbing is considered to be a low level crime,
which will not create a major impact on the person (Schnell, Braga and Piza, 2017).
Nevertheless, it has been known that lack of money earned through robbery act as major
threat to their homes, as they may lose their shelter, or vehicles, which ultimately affects their
wellbeing. Therefore, it may create a major impact on the life of people, as stated about the
place Chicago, living in poverty. Here, financial strain acts as major strain for the