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Economic Strain Theory And Its Impact On Crime In Australia

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The Economic Strain of Rising Interest Rates and Its Impact on Crime in Australia Introduction The connection between economic conditions and crime rates is a longstanding focus within criminology. This essay explores how rising interest rates may contribute to an increase in crime rates in Australia through the lens of strain theory. By examining recent crime statistics and discussing the implications of economic strain, this essay aims to elucidate the relationship between economic conditions and criminal activity. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers and law enforcement agencies in developing strategies to mitigate crime and support communities facing economic hardships. Strain Theory Strain theory, developed by Robert K. Merton in 1938, suggests that societal structures exert pressure on individuals to achieve …show more content…

Conformity involves accepting both societal goals and the means to achieve them. Innovation involves accepting societal goals but using illegitimate means to achieve them, which often leads to criminal behavior. Ritualism involves abandoning societal goals but rigidly adhering to societal means. Retreatism involves rejecting both societal goals and means, leading to withdrawal from society. Rebellion involves rejecting and attempting to change both societal goals and means. Strain theory has been expanded by other scholars. Robert Agnew's General Strain Theory (GST) broadens the concept by identifying three major types of strain: the failure to achieve positively valued goals, the removal of positively valued stimuli, and the presentation of negative stimuli. GST posits that individuals who experience strain are more likely to engage in criminal behavior if they lack the ability to cope through legitimate means, have low self-control, and are in a social environment that encourages criminal

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