General Strain Theory and Social Learning Theory in Criminology

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2007CCJ: Sociology of Crime
Griffith University
Assessment 1, Part 2 Template
Due Date: June 6th, 11:55pm
Name: Tutor:
Student #:
Weekly Review of Readings #1
Answer to question 1
In the general strain theory, Agnew has made certain conceptual framework regarding
the gendered theory on prostitution and he has made a clear view over the matter and research
on their behaviour. He has applied the general strain theory on them to identify the
participation of both men and women in this flesh trade and tried to understand which types
of criminal interaction can be achieved from here. However, a thorough reading of this theory
has pointed out certain gender-biased situation where theoretical arguments on feminist
accounts have been made. The wide approach of the theory has made certain gender gap in
the criminological theory. Certain strains like suicidal attempts, victimizations and running
away from home are quite common in women and in this case, this theory is quite gendered
in nature.
Answer to question 2
Various discussions and researches have been made on the General Strain Theory of
Agnew. However, the general strain theory propounded by Agnew but forwarded by Robert
King Merton that has certain limitations. The identified strains are types of emotional
experience, extensive variety of deviant outcomes and strains relevant for male and female.
According to this theory, both men and women are involved in the crime but the female are
more victimised compare to the men and the negative impressions are creating serious

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impacts on the youths. Agnew and Broidy have made a gender difference where they have
pointed out certain experiences. According to them, females are much concentrating on the
close bond relationship and therefore, they are not involved in the property crime and as they
have to fact certain discrimination in the society, restrictive behaviour can be seen in them.
They are facing the depression and angriness. In this research, females are more aggressive
compared to male regarding criminal behaviour.
Answer to question 3
General strain theory is very much helpful for identification of participation of male
and female in prostitution. According to this theory, both the men and women are engaging in
the criminal behavioural offences and they are facing depression in their life. According to
the study, females are facing discrimination and depression in their societal approach and
these provoke them to engage in this offence. On the other hand, a dominating approach has
been grown up in the male that help them to soliciting crimes. A serious concentration has
been made by Agnew’s strain theory and strains as rejection, discipline, abuse and
victimizations are compelled both the men and women to choose prostitution as their
prospects to achieve certain social demands.
Weekly Review of Readings #2

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Answer to question 1
Social learning theory helps the people to learn certain new behaviours from others.
Albert Bandura had propounded this theory and this theory has pointed out certain processes
by which the individuals are gaining certain behaviour and attitudes from others. According
to Howard Becker, the addiction of drug is different to the alcohol addiction and the non-user
can gain certain behavioural attitudes from the drug addicts. One can perceive the sensational
feelings and develops a motivational approach towards the usage of marijuana. According to
the author, the use of drugs depends on the behavioural approach of the individual. The
individual is taking the drugs not to get in the addiction but to enjoy the pleasure.
Answer to question 2
There are certain theories that tried to define the characteristics of the marijuana users.
However, Howard Becker has applied the social learning theory and concentrated on the
behavioural approach of the drugs users. According to him, the non-users are gaining certain
experiences from the users and they are getting addicted to drugs. Further, according to them,
drugs are a medium to get pleasure. A new transformation has been cropped up in this
perspective. The term pleasure means a casual approach regarding the behaviour. Further, the
users know about the proper technique of smoking.
Weekly Review of Readings #3