The Relationship Between Strain and Deviance

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 112 views

Understanding Strain Theory: A Key Concept in Social Studies

Strain theory is a sociological concept that explains how individuals respond to stress and strain in their lives. It was first introduced by Robert Merton in 1938 and has since been widely used to understand deviant behavior. In this article, we will explore the concept of strain theory and its relationship to social norms, deviance, and negative sanctions.

What is Strain Theory?

Strain theory posits that individuals experience stress and strain when their goals and expectations are not met. This can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, and resentment, which can ultimately result in deviant behavior. The theory suggests that individuals may respond to strain in one of two ways: either by conforming to social norms and expectations, or by engaging in deviant behavior.

The Relationship Between Strain and Deviance

According to strain theory, deviance is a result of the strain that individuals experience when their goals and expectations are not met. When individuals feel that they are unable to achieve their goals through legitimate means, they may turn to deviant behavior as a way to cope with their frustration. This can include behaviors such as crime, violence, and other forms of deviance.

The Concept of Negative Sanctions

Negative sanctions are punishments or penalties that are imposed on individuals who engage in deviant behavior. In the context of strain theory, negative sanctions can serve as a way to reinforce social norms and expectations. By punishing individuals who engage in deviant behavior, society is able to maintain social order and prevent deviance from becoming widespread.

The Example of Arnold and Bradley

Let's consider the example of Arnold calling Bradley a racial slur and Bradley responding by punching Arnold in the face. In this scenario, Bradley's behavior can be seen as a negative sanction imposed on Arnold for his deviant behavior. However, this is not necessarily a formal negative sanction, as it is not a punishment imposed by a formal authority such as the law.

Formal Negative Sanctions

A formal negative sanction is a punishment or penalty that is imposed by a formal authority such as the law. In the context of strain theory, formal negative sanctions can serve as a way to reinforce social norms and expectations. By punishing individuals who engage in deviant behavior, society is able to maintain social order and prevent deviance from becoming widespread.

In conclusion, strain theory is a key concept in social studies that explains how individuals respond to stress and strain in their lives. The theory suggests that deviance is a result of the strain that individuals experience when their goals and expectations are not met. Formal negative sanctions are punishments or penalties that are imposed by a formal authority such as the law, and they can serve as a way to reinforce social norms and expectations.

Strain theory explains how individuals respond to stress and strain in their lives.
Deviance is a result of the strain that individuals experience when their goals and expectations are not met.
Formal negative sanctions are punishments or penalties that are imposed by a formal authority such as the law.
Negative sanctions can serve as a way to reinforce social norms and expectations.

Merton, R. K. (1938). Social structure and anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
Agnew, R. (1992). Foundation for a general strain theory of crime and delinquency. Criminology, 30(1), 47-87.
Bursik, R. J., & Grasmick, H. G. (1993). Neighborhoods and crime: The dimensions of effective community control. Lexington Books.

Agnew, R. (1992). Foundation for a general strain theory of crime and delinquency. Criminology, 30(1), 47-87.
Bursik, R. J., & Grasmick, H. G. (1993). Neighborhoods and crime: The dimensions of effective community control. Lexington Books.
Merton, R. K. (1938). Social structure and anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
Strain Theory: A Q&A Guide

Strain theory is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been widely studied in the field of sociology. In our previous article, we explored the basics of strain theory and its relationship to social norms, deviance, and negative sanctions. In this article, we will delve deeper into the concept of strain theory and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about it.

Q: What is the main difference between strain theory and other sociological theories?

A: Strain theory is unique in that it focuses on the relationship between an individual's goals and expectations and their ability to achieve them. Other sociological theories, such as social learning theory and rational choice theory, focus on different aspects of human behavior.

Q: How does strain theory explain deviance?

A: According to strain theory, deviance is a result of the strain that individuals experience when their goals and expectations are not met. When individuals feel that they are unable to achieve their goals through legitimate means, they may turn to deviant behavior as a way to cope with their frustration.

Q: What are some examples of strain theory in action?

A: Strain theory can be seen in a variety of contexts, including:

A person who is unable to find a job and turns to crime as a way to support themselves.
A student who is unable to achieve academic success and turns to substance abuse as a way to cope with their frustration.
A person who is experiencing financial difficulties and turns to theft as a way to make ends meet.

Q: What is the role of negative sanctions in strain theory?

A: Negative sanctions are punishments or penalties that are imposed on individuals who engage in deviant behavior. In the context of strain theory, negative sanctions can serve as a way to reinforce social norms and expectations. By punishing individuals who engage in deviant behavior, society is able to maintain social order and prevent deviance from becoming widespread.

Q: Can strain theory be used to explain other forms of deviance, such as mental illness?

A: While strain theory was originally developed to explain deviance, it can also be used to explain other forms of deviance, such as mental illness. For example, a person who is experiencing mental illness may feel that they are unable to achieve their goals or meet their expectations, leading to feelings of frustration and despair.

Q: What are some limitations of strain theory?

A: While strain theory is a powerful tool for understanding deviance, it is not without its limitations. Some of the limitations of strain theory include:

It does not take into account the role of individual differences in deviance.
It does not account for the role of social support in preventing deviance.
It does not provide a clear explanation for why some individuals are more likely to engage in deviant behavior than others.

Q: How can strain theory be used in practice?

A: Strain theory can be used in a variety of ways in practice, including:

Developing programs to help individuals achieve their goals and meet their expectations.
Providing support and resources to individuals who are experiencing strain.
Implementing policies and programs to prevent deviance and maintain social order.

In conclusion, strain theory is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been widely studied in the field of sociology. By understanding the basics of strain theory and its relationship to social norms, deviance, and negative sanctions, we can gain a deeper understanding of human behavior and develop more effective strategies for preventing deviance and promoting social order.

Strain theory explains how individuals respond to stress and strain in their lives.
Deviance is a result of the strain that individuals experience when their goals and expectations are not met.
Negative sanctions can serve as a way to reinforce social norms and expectations.
Strain theory can be used to explain a variety of forms of deviance, including crime and mental illness.

Merton, R. K. (1938). Social structure and anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
Agnew, R. (1992). Foundation for a general strain theory of crime and delinquency. Criminology, 30(1), 47-87.
Bursik, R. J., & Grasmick, H. G. (1993). Neighborhoods and crime: The dimensions of effective community control. Lexington Books.

Agnew, R. (1992). Foundation for a general strain theory of crime and delinquency. Criminology, 30(1), 47-87.
Bursik, R. J., & Grasmick, H. G. (1993). Neighborhoods and crime: The dimensions of effective community control. Lexington Books.
Merton, R. K. (1938). Social structure and anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.