Merton’s Strain theory

• Robert Merton's strain theory


  Crime/deviance occurs when individuals find that they cannot achieve the success goals of society in a legitimate way
• Merton's strain theory


  1. There is "strain" between the goals and peoples abilities to achieve them

  2. Criminality is caused by working class people being denied the opportunity to achieve success (they find it difficult to gain qualifications and therefore struggle to find jobs)

  3. The results in their poor behavior due to feelings of Strain
• Merton's strain theory

  • Everyone has the same values, like owning a nice house, fast car, and going on nice holidays
  • Legitimate means of gaining this goal are through talent, but due to inequality of opportunity, this path is often blocked for those from poor backgrounds
  • The result is a society where the 'rules' aren't important and all the emphasis is on the end goals
• People from poor backgrounds cannot achieve success goals through legitimate means


  They resort to crime/deviancy in order to achieve these goals