Strain theory, described first by an American sociologist Robert Merton is a unique tool for analyzing the capitalist system as a whole and the nature of economic crime in particular. This theory states that “crime occurs when there aren’t enough legitimate opportunities for people to achieve the success goals imposed by the society” (Thompson, 2016, para. 1). It was deduced by Merton upon the careful observance of the functions of American society – which aggressively imposes the idea of material and economic wealth as the ultimate achievement onto its citizens. While doing so, the society, quite paradoxically, fails to provide opportunities for all of its members equally. When a person, aiming to achieve a certain goal, meets with obstacles that are extremely difficult or impossible to overcome, usually financially related, occurs an effect that Merton called “a strain”. This theory accurately explains many crime trends that can be observed in modern society.
Namely, strain theory is particularly effective when explaining higher rates of offense in lower-income communities. The theory’s legitimacy can be followed through Merton’s careful observations concerning the notion of the “American dream” influences society. He argued that “for those from lower social classes, this ‘dream’ had become an ideology, masking the fact that the legitimate opportunities are not available to all” (Thompson, 2016, para. 8). When a strain happens, individuals are more likely to continue to pursue their economic gain, now through illegal means.
Despite the theory not being perfect and universal, it still works efficiently in the analysis of society’s deviation trends. Strain theory is incomplete in the sense that it only focuses on crime in the lower classes, ignoring “white-collar crime” and ignores the working class members that continue to employ accepted, legitimate goals (Thompson, 2016, para. 2). However, I still perceive it as a well-rounded theory, since it manages the task of exposing the inner mechanics, and the crippling effects countless people experience, however, people in power refuse to acknowledge it.
Reference
Thompson, K. (2016). Merton’s Strain Theory of Deviance. ReviseSociology, Web.