Martin’s strain theory of criminology is one of the well-known crime theories that is discussed in topics that are related to crime. The theory tries to state how a straining condition can propel an individual to engage in criminal activities. This is because conditions that lead a person to be strained such as anger and frustration lead to the development of negative emotions. Such emotions build up pressure in people which in turn propel them to respond and engaging in crime as one possible response to such circumstances. For instance, the people who face massive unemployment may be tempted to steal as a means of survival as a way of getting money or getting back to the person who made them undergo the hardships. Moreover, such people can opt to engage in the consumption of illegal drugs in order to feel better and forget about the current circumstances. Strain theory describes the kind of stains that can make individuals to engage in crimes, why strains contribute to criminal activities and factors that can lead a person to use crime in responding to strain as discussed hereinafter. Strain increases the chances of an individual to engage in criminal activities (Cole, Smith & DeJong, 2018) . This is because emotions such as anger that develop due to strain enhance pressure in an individual to react and crime is one of the possible reactions. Some people find crime as a method to solve their issues and reduce the strain that they are undergoing. People can decide to seek revenge or steal money to make the situation better. Strain leads to crime because individuals under strain do not have the required skills and resources that can help them come with the situation in a positive manner. Such people lack social support and control. This makes it possible for them to blame their strain on other people and they opt to engage in criminal activities as a way to get even. In many cases certain kinds of strain such as objective or subjective strain have high possibilities of resulting in crime than any other kinds of strain.
There are a variety of shortcomings associated with strain theory as an explanation to criminality (Gabbidon, 2015). To begin with, the theory only focuses on individuals of low class in society even though crimes are committed by people from all social classes. The only crimes associated with strain are those that deal with finances or drugs. The theory does not cover all forms of crimes. Instances such as domestic abuse and sexual assault have not been mentioned as crimes. The theory does not give an explanation about white collar crimes which are mostly achieved through legal and legitimate processes. The theory applies best on the low class society as it focuses on people who are dealing with struggles and have limited or no resources in achieving their goals. Another setback of the strain theory is that it does not explain crimes that are associated with gender inequality (Gaines & Miller, 2008). The theory does not clearly explain the social structure that that generate the strains that cause people to engage in crimes. It does not explain more about inter and intra-personal aspect of crime. The theory puts much emphasis on the role of social class in relation to crime. Crime activities may result from an individual’s failure to achieve a number of goals and not only financial success. In addition to that, the theory only focuses on individual crimes and ignores the crimes caused by members of group as a whole. It works on the assumption that upper-class members of society do not in any way take part in crimes. It does not mention the spontaneous crimes of society but instead it focuses on materialistic items without mentioning people of the upper class. Strain theory proposes that different forms of strain cause individuals to undergo negative emotional transformations that make them to opt for crime as a way of coping with such emotions (Mernick) . Stain is a result of an individual’s failure to achieve a certain goal. Such kinds of strain can easily motivate any person to opt for criminal activities as a strategy to cope with the frustrations. Members from all social classes could get involved in criminal activities as a way of coping with strain. This is because the rate at which some crimes take place such as drug and substance abuse are consistent among members of all social classes. In conclusion, There are three main reasons as to why people may undergo strain which include the failure to achieve a certain goal, the removal of positive impulses for instance when one loses a loved one and the existence of harmful impulses which could result from a variety of issues such as school problems. Strain is a condition that can occur in people from all social classes. It causes stress that results in negative emotional states that people may find it hard to cope with and opt to engage in crime. A person who is under stain can resolve to crime as a way to cope with the situation. This could be through theft, drug abuse or other forms of criminal activities. Strain theory has, however, been faced with shortcomings in that it does not cover all forms of crimes. It does not mention crimes committed by people of the upper class. It only focuses on the low class people of society and mentions crimes associated with economic constraint.
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References
Cole, G. F., Smith, C. E., & DeJong, C. (2018). The American system of criminal justice . New York: Cengage Learning.
Gabbidon, S. L. (2015). Criminological perspectives on race and crime . New York: Routledge.
Gaines, L. K., & Miller, R. L. (2018). Criminal justice in action . New York: Cengage Learning.
Mernick, P. Social Disorganization and Strain Theories: A Historical Perspective on Contemporary Theories of Criminology . Lulu.com.
