Introduction
The community puts pressure on people to pursue accepted social aspirations, even if they lack the means to do so. As a result of these conflicts, people may commit crimes such as selling drugs or engaging in prostitution to achieve financial security (Siegel, 2015).
Explaining Crimes Using General Strain Theory
One major component of the General Strain Theory is that specific strain situations increase the likelihood that an individual will engage in criminal behavior (Siegel, 2015). These include conditions in which the pressure is believed to be severe, the individual has few social institutions, the burden is perceived as unjust, and criminal action is encouraged or anticipated. According to this notion, when these factors are present, an individual is more likely to engage in criminal acts. In the case under study, despite the same environmental conditions, the boys’ emotions may have differed, leading to different outcomes – one became a criminal and the other a policeman.
It is extremely rare for two boys to live in the same house, have the same friends, and attend the same school, yet one becomes a law enforcement officer and the other a criminal. Although the two youngsters were in the same surroundings, their psychological states might have differed. For example, one of the lads may have felt envious or pressured by others.
Strain theory holds that strain increases delinquency by eliciting unpleasant emotions such as anger, frustration, melancholy, or fear (Glassner, 2020). These unpleasant emotions reduce the obstacles to crime. In addition, a boy who later becomes a delinquent may experience jealousy and unhealthy competitiveness with another youngster. According to general strain theory, this has a negative impact, and delinquency becomes a method of attaining what was not acquired (Siegel, 2015). In this situation, it involves attention from others and recognition of one’s own identity.
Conclusion
Thus, the General Strain Theory provides some insight into this issue. Despite identical environmental conditions, the boys’ emotions may have varied, leading to distinct predispositions. Boys may also have been subjected to unhealthy competition and pressure from their parents, peers, or instructors. These factors affect both potential criminals and police officers. One of them succumbed to negative emotions and took the wrong path to reach his full potential. The other boy, on the other hand, channeled his energies into becoming a public defender.
References
Glassner, S. D. (2020). Bullying victimization and delinquent involvement: An application of general strain theory. Children and Youth Services Review, 116.
Siegel, L. J. (2015). Criminology: Theories, patterns, and typologies (13th ed., Vol 2). Cengage Learning.