Robert Agnew's General Strain Theory

Throughout the years, there have been several theories developed, in the field of criminology, seeking to explain crime and delinquency. Criminology is constantly evolving due to the political and economic views of society. Throughout this change,many theories were created, while other theories are proven to no longer be valid. Each theory whether valid or invalid, takes a different approach in its explanation of crime and delinquency. The question that many have tried to answer is, which theory has the most empirical validity and can best explain why individuals choose to engage in delinquent and criminal activity? According to the writer, the theory that best explains crime and delinquency is, Robert Agnew's General Strain Theory. The purpose

Anomie was first introduced by Emile Durkheim, who is one of the founders of sociology. Durkheim defined anomie “as a a state of normlessness or lack of social regulation in modern society as one condition that promotes higher rates of deviant behaviors”(Akers &Sellers, 2013). According to Durkheim, malintegration occurs when there is a disassociation between valued cultural ends and legitimate societal means to those ends (Akers &Sellers, 2013). General strain theory was developed by Robert Agnew in response to earlier strain theories. Agnew's strain theory was influenced by the work of Durkheim and Merton and modeled after anomie.

Agnew's theory was developed to broaden the concept of strain in order to incorporate several sources of strain and stress. Crime and delinquency are seen as an adaptation to stress. General strain theory defines the major types of strain, the links between strain and crime, and coping strategies to deal with the strain. General strain theory attempted to merge the revised theory with prior strain theories, and it drew heavily on the stress, emotions and justice literatures (Agnew, 2012). General strain theory is comprised of three major types of strain. The first type involves the inability to achieve one’s goals. This strain states that the failure to achieve several goals is conducive to crime (Agnew, 2012). The second major type

General strain theory says there are many ways to adopt to stress. Crime and delinquency occurs when one does not have legitimate coping skills and the individual is bound by internal or external constraints. The theory says that community differences and racial and economic differences influence strain in the community. A study conducted by Wareham, Cochran, Dembo, & Sellers (2005) examined the degree to which community characteristics influenced individual levels of strain, negative affect, and delinquency and whether the effects of strain and negative affect on individual delinquency are more salient within communities characterized by higher levels of social and economic disadvantage. Agnew's general strain theory is not limited to class or race, but also looks at socioeconomic and economic problems as potential causes of delinquency. Both elements must be present for there to be delinquency. Economic problems that have been linked to delinquency are substantial changes in lifestyle due to the lack of money and the inability to purchase needed goods and services (Agnew, Matthews, Bucher, Welcher, & Keyes, 2008). Because of an individual's ability to obtain the items they need or desire, strain becomes present. When the individual cannot cope with that strain effectively, delinquency and crime