In researching the Strain Theory, some models refer to the Relative Deprivation Theory. Relative deprivation refers broadly to people’s perceptions of their well-being relative to their comparison of others (Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services). For many that became financially deprived because of the financial crash, comparing what they had to what others have, and what they are entitled to, became a strain. Relative deprivation results in the feelings of despair, frustration, grievance, and anger which all can become a powerful motivator of crime (Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services).Crimes usually committed by this group of individuals are property crimes, drug use, and in some instances violent crimes. Because of the financial crash there have been changes to the labor force, there has been a drop in the number of manual jobs available to employ the least educated, which has led to unemployment amongst young people and poor people. They are not working, therefore they do not have the money to get the things other people have. They are at home watching T.V. They compare their lives to the lives of pro-athletes, musicians and movie stars. They see the Kardashians life as normal. They want what they have, but they do not have the opportunity get it. Their dream is shattered. Agnew states that “The failure to achieve …show more content…
They no longer set goals or maintain employment to reach them. These are the homeless of society, the alcoholics, drug abusers, and the drop-outs. They abandon the need to attain goals and retreat from all activities that would allow them to pursue their dreams. Some believe that suicide is the ultimate retreat. Their situation in society has become so worthless, that life itself has no significance. After the 2008 Financial Crisis, homelessness rose, addiction and