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 âcrime occurs when there arenât enough legitimate opportunities for people to achieve the success goals imposed by the societyâ (Thompson, 2016, para. 1). It was deduced by Merton upon the careful observance of the functions of American society â 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 âa strainâ. 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 theoryâs legitimacy can be followed through Mertonâs careful observations concerning the notion of the âAmerican dreamâ influences society. He argued that âfor those from lower social classes, this âdreamâ had become an ideology, masking the fact that the legitimate opportunities are not available to allâ (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 societyâs deviation trends. Strain theory is incomplete in the sense that it only focuses on crime in the lower classes, ignoring âwhite-collar crimeâ 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). Mertonâs Strain Theory of Deviance. ReviseSociology, Web.