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Robert Merton's Theory Of Strain Theory

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Strain Theory could guide and present a strong influence on a youth’s lifestyle and be used as the theory explaining on why the juveniles have deviated towards delinquency instead of a lawful direction of adulthood. The following essay will be introducing a belief on why Strain Theory is one of the foremost concepts leading to misbehavior in adolescents.
The Strain Theory could be explained as a person who has finally reached their boiling point, and it was time for them to release some pressure. Nevertheless, some resort to keep the pressure internal, allowing for it to brew a little longer. “Crime may be used to reduce or escape from the strain, seek revenge against the source of strain or related targets, or alleviate negative emotions” …show more content…

If they lack the means, then this individual may develop a strain which may enhance the person’s acceptance to commit crimes” (Libraries, 2017). Merton’s explanation of Strain Theory would help support the basis that juveniles will turn to a means to be accepted. Sadly, this action sometimes may resort to some sort of violence. In the mind of the juvenile, if society won’t accept me for who I am, then it will accept me for who I will …show more content…

Contrast to Subculture Theory, which had an affected action towards a group of people with the same set of common norms. I could also compare Strain Theory to Labeling Theory, which an individual is labeled as an odd-ball and because they weren’t playing by the rules of those in power. In the book Outsiders The studies of in the sociology of deviance by Howard Becker, the author wrote about how society tends to place labels on individuals and that person can’t remove the title. “Majority of social groups in power will make the rules and attempt to enforce them. These social rules will be defined situations as right and any other rules not established by the power group will be considered as forbidden or wrong” (Beckeif, 1963). Just like with Strain Theory, an individual who has broken a rule, which in some case could be just looking or acting different, cannot be trusted to live by the rules agreed by those in power and will be regarded as an

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