Strain theory

According to Strain Theory, the gap between goals and the means of achieving them becomes so wide that individuals are compelled to use illegal means to attain those goals. In Merton’s view, human beings are essentially good by nature, but social conditions, the structure of society, and upbringing create such social pressure that, in order to reduce it, people adopt illegal means and become criminals. Resources in society are distributed unequally, and the inevitable result is a connection between lower-resource social classes and crime. Therefore, crime can be controlled through an equal and fair distribution of resources and opportunities for advancement. According to Merton, excessive emphasis on goals, combined with the restriction of means to a particular class, produces social pressure and a breakdown of norms (anomie).

Merton’s theory of social strain and pressure has also been widely criticized. The major points of criticism are as follows:

• This theory cannot be tested in a practical manner.
• It is too general, vague, and ambiguous.
• It does not explain the criminal behavior of those who are born and raised in affluent classes. In this regard, the concept of white-collar crime should be kept in mind.

According to another view, however, this theory provides a very good explanation of normlessness (anomie) and white-collar crime.

This theory does not explain significant individual differences in behavior.

One objection is that this theory does not explain why the majority of the working class obeys the law rather than breaking it.

There are studies that disagree with the basic assumptions of this theory.