NCJ Number
116452
Date Published
1984
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This chapter analyzes the strain theory's explanation of delinquency, which holds that the discrepancy between high aspirations fostered by the dominant culture coupled with low expectations of achieving them fosters deviant behavior.
Abstract
This analysis of strain theory, as proposed by Robert Merton and modified by Cohen and Cloward and Ohlin, indicates that it is less satisfactory than control theory in accounting for delinquency, but more powerful than explanations that look to alternative values as causal (cultural-deviance theory). It is not possible to synthesize an alternative-values perspective with control theory nor with some versions of strain theory; however, the addition of oppositional subcultures that presumably amplify strain has been proposed by both Cohen and Cloward-Ohlin. There is no empirical justification for doing this, and there are also logical difficulties in trying to add subcultures to strain as an explanation. The prospect of synthesizing strain and control theories holds more promise. For the purposes of control explanations, strain is a constant. Strain only leads to delinquency when it weakens a person's attachment to the social order. This suggests the possibility of hypothesizing specific combinations of strain and weak controls leading to delinquency. The chapter concludes with the case study of a prevention program based on strain theory.