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Criminology Theory and Strain Theory : Report

   

Added on  2020-01-21

8 Pages3051 Words139 Views
CRIMINOLOGY THEORY

The discipline of criminology is comprised of plethora of evidences and theories whichexplain distinct phenomenons which are prevalent in this academic area. Some of the theorieswhich are present makes a comparison of nature and nurture to demonstrate the variouscriminological instincts. The present discussion shall focus on the Strain Theory propounded byKing Robert Merton, and is based on the ideas of nurture as well as environmental aspects. It isinteresting to note that Strain theory has been derived by the Anomie theory of Emile Dukheism.It has been noted that this theory is of normlessness and could be explained with an example oflate 19th century wherein the Europeans emigrated from rural to more urban environments, inpursuance of Industrial Revolution (Merton's Strain Theory of Deviance, 2016). The variouseconomies of the world such as both European and American were undergoing evolution,accompanied by fusion of cultures and this led to an increased confusion among the society. Thisis known as Anomie wherein the normal for yesterday is no more considered normal today.Durkhesim through this theory attempted to explain the social condition prevalent in France.Around this time Robert Merton made a contribution by analyzing the American society and theenormous influence of the characters of economy and society. However, his work successfullymade a distinction mark in 1950s when various sociologists sought to understand occurrence ofcrime even during the time of economic growth. Through the strain theory, it opined by Mertonthat crime and delinquency are a result of the extent of confirmation and commitment to theprevalent cultural values (Merton's Strain Theory, 2017). Further this relation was explainedirrespective of the structural as well as economic conditions. The strain theory of Merton can be characterized as the modern time theory whichexplain the environmental factors which lead to commitment of crime by people. It is believedby this theory that the social structures present within a society operate to create pressure overthe people to indulge in different forms of criminal activity. The pressure so created on people isto accomplish certain socially acceptable goals, irrespective of the fact that the person has themeans to do so (Lilly, Cullen and Ball, 2010). This leads to development of strain on the citizensto indulge oneself in varied crimes. Some of the examples of this theory is getting involved inselling drugs or prostitution for gaining financial security. Strain under this theory can beclassified into Structural and Individual. The former refers to processes existing at differentlevels of the society to affect the manner in which different people perceive their needs. Forinstance in the event of existence of an inadequate structures and the inherent regulations, the1

perception of individuals in relation to opportunities and means shall be framed accordingly(Patchin and Hinduja, 2010). On the other hand, the latter reflects the frictions which anindividual has to go through for selecting a medium for accomplishment of the needs. Hence, inthe case of significant goals of society, an individual may perceive achievement as moreimportant than the ways to adopt the same. It has been explained by Merton that a society has the power to advance deviance to alarge extent. It is believed by him that all the socially accepted goals operate to pressurize thecitizens to act in a confirmatory manner. It has been observed that in pursuance to the sameindividuals are forced within a particular system or include themselves in a deviant subculture inorder to successfully accomplish the desired goals (Moon, Hwang and McCluskey, 2011). It hasalso been observed by Merton that in the event of gap between the societal goals (in relation tofinances and so on) and the present status of an individual, it is most likely that strain may occurin such a situation. Agnew (2011) has highlighted some of the ways adapted by people whenfacing a situation of strain. The first way is of conformity, with the assistance of which citizenspursue the concerned goals through certain ways which are widely accepted in the society.Secondly, innovation can be adapted to accomplish the goals, through certain unconventionalmethods. It has also been observed that these unconventional methods may be undertaken in theform of unapproved means. For instance stealing could be pursued to attain financial securityand fulfil the societal demands. Thirdly, Ritualism is adoption of more modest as well as humbleways to achieve these goals. In such cases all the methods so adopted and practised are sociallyacceptable and may attain less elusive targets. The next way is of Retreatism wherein individualschoose to escape from such situations and disapprove of both cultural goals as well as differentmeasures to obtain them (Lilly, Cullen and Ball, 2010). Lastly, certain individuals make a choiceof becoming rebellions and develop their own goals. Hence, these people completely reject theascertained cultural goals as well as means and replace them with their own ideas. In furtherance to these specific ways propounded by Merton it is also recognized by himthat these could be situations wherein a balance cannot be struck between these cultural goalsand the various means to achieve them. These cases may develop if society does not makeavailable enough means for certain individuals to accomplish the different goals set out for them.Thus, in result of which unpleasant emotions may develop in the form of strain as these peopleare not able to achieve what they intend to. Jang, Song and Kim (2014) have stated that in such2

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