NCJ Number
94943
Journal
Sociology and Social Research Volume: 68 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1984) Pages: 435-451
Date Published
1984
Length
15 pages
Annotation
One of the most influential theories of delinquency claims that delinquency may result when adolescents are unable to achieve monetary success or middle-class status through legitimate channels. In such cases, according to strain theory, adolescents may turn to illegitimate channels of goal achievement or strike out at the source of their frustration in anger. Recent studies, however, have not provided much support for this theory.
Abstract
This paper presents a revised strain theory that (1) recognizes that adolescents may pursue a variety of goals, and (2) focuses on immediated goals rather than long-range goals like monetary success. Delinquency is predicted to be greatest among those adolescents who are unable to achieve all or most of their important goals. Data from a national sample of adolescent boys do not support this prediction, although reasons for the failure of strain theory are suggested. (Author abstract)