General Strain Theory Essay

In this sample essay, we shall be discussing the general strain theory of sociology. To be specific general strain theory falls in the category of criminology. Moreover, there are several theories of sociology that come around the umbrella term “strain theory”. However, general strain theory refers to one specific theory among several. Nevertheless, this is an important concept in both sociology as well as criminology.

Therefore we shall be discussing all the different aspects related to his concept related to it. We shall be including the following topics in our sample essay: firstly we shall be looking at the definition of general strain theory, where we will also be looking at the originator of the theory and the characteristics of strains. Later on, we will be looking at different categories in general strain theory. After this, we will be looking at the implication of criminal policy under this theory.

What is general strain theory?

The general strain theory is also known as GST. It is a sociological theory; criminological theory to be very specific. Moving on, this theory concerns itself with factors affecting strains which we will be discussing later on in the essay. In other words, this theory studies social structures that may cause otherwise normal citizens to commit crimes as well as other illegal activities. Consequently, it is named the “strain” theory.

Moving on, Robert Agnew developed this theory in 1992. Since then this theory has gained a considerable amount of academic recognition.  Moreover,  as it has gathered a considerable amount of theory-based evidence as well as expanded the general area of explanation that falls outside the scope of criminal behavior, Robert Agnew’s theory of general strain is recognized as a solid theory,. Furthermore, the theory also mentions several characteristics of strains which we will be discussing in the next section of the sample essay.

Characteristics of strains

As we discussed above, there are various characteristics of strains. In general, strain here refers to various social structures and social pressures that cause people to commit illegal activities. Adding to this, Robert Agnew mentioned four characteristics of strain that may lead to a crime. These are, as mentioned below:

• In given situation strains might be seen as unfair or unjust
• Strains are considered high in terms of magnitude
• The strains could be possibly related to social control’s lower level
• It may create some pressure on citizens to engage in criminal activities as a method of coping

Categories in general strain theory

In this section of the sample essay, we shall be looking at categories or main reasons behind strains. Moreover,  there are three major reasons behind crime-causing strains. These reasons are as mentioned below:

• Failure to achieve desired and positive goal
• Removal of positive stimuli or impulses
• Introduction of negative stimuli or harmful impulses

Moreover, as per the theory strain may take place in any strata of populous and it is not specific to any class of society. In order,  the theory assumes that stress leads to a negative emotional state( i.e. anger, depression, drug abuse, violent behaviors, and so on) to understand how strain causes criminal activities,.

Furthermore, the theory says that lack of coping skills is the reason behind the negative reaction to psychological stress. Adding to that, other negative factors such as criminal environment as well as criminal traits cause the negative effect of stress dealing mechanism.

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If you like this sample essay, you can read more like one on your website. Adding to this, we recommend to you the sample essay, namely “criminal psychology” which is closely related to this one. Apart from this, there are several others including Compare and contrast between Psychology and Sociology, Singapore Public Policy Reflection Paper, HP8004 NTU Coping with Cultural Transition, Sociology of Family, Racism in Singapore Assignment, and so on.

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