Strain Theory

Strain Theory

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to expand the boundaries of the author's knowledge by exploring some relevant facts related to Strain Theory. Strain theory provides a wealth of explanations appropriate to the study of school-based delinquency. Strain theory, as first proposed by Robert Merton, argues that opportunities are distributed unequally. Within a class-based economy such as the United States, tremendous disparity exists between culturally prescribed goals and the legitimate means available to achieve those goals, which creates pressure or strain. This strain then leads to crime, as the only available means of achieving the goals are through participating ...