NCJ Number
140677
Journal
Journal of Crime and Justice Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: (1992) Pages: 1-30
Date Published
1992
Length
30 pages
Annotation
An attempt is made to identify issues that might allow for a more systematic test of strain theory that roots crime in the experience of blocked access to desired success goals.
Abstract
The results in terms of strain theory's empirical status are mixed and depend on how strain is operationalized. Research that assesses strain through various measures of "blocked opportunity" are fairly consistent in providing supportive evidence, but typically strain theory is falsified when strain is operationalized by the discrepancy between occupational or educational aspirations and expectations. Existing studies show enough promise to devote more work to defining and measuring the full complexity of the theory's core concept of success goals and opportunity/means. Agnew's (1992) outline for a "general strain theory of crime and delinquency" distinguishes three different sources of strain and suggests a strategy for measuring strain and explores the conditions under which strain is likely to result in "nondelinquent and delinquent coping." Two forms of strain which fall under the umbrella of Agnew's framework seem particularly worth exploration: relative deprivation and stressful life events. 2 tables and 102 references