Overview
Strain Theory is a sociological framework that explains how societal pressures can lead individuals to engage in deviant behavior when they feel unable to achieve culturally accepted goals through legitimate means. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the social context and the various copi...
Key Terms
Example: During economic downturns, people may experience anomie due to lost jobs.
Example: Theft is considered deviant behavior in most societies.
Example: A student feeling strain due to high academic expectations.
Example: Exercise can be a positive coping mechanism for stress.
Example: Education and hard work are considered legitimate means to success.
Example: Robbery is an illegitimate means of obtaining wealth.
Related Topics
Social Control Theory
Explores how societal norms and laws influence behavior and prevent deviance.
intermediateLabeling Theory
Focuses on how being labeled as deviant can influence an individual's self-identity and behavior.
intermediateConflict Theory
Examines how power dynamics and social inequality contribute to deviance and crime.
advancedKey Concepts
Social StrainDevianceAnomieCoping Mechanisms