Describe the significant assumptions and elements of Agnew's general strain theory. Give one example of a situation where an individual copes with strain with delinquent behavior

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer:
• Emphasizes a much broader view of the sources of strain
• Agnew identifies 3 sources of strain: failure to achieve positively values goals, removal of positively valued stimuli, and presence of inescapable negative stimuli.
• Agnew indicates failure to achieve positively valued goals results in strain that causes negative emotional states to develop. An individual lacking the coping skills to deal with their strain responds in a delinquent manner
• Extends the concept of strain to possible to all people whether rich or poor
• Clearly explains how strain leads to crime and why some individuals react to strain with criminal behavior and others do not. For example, people who lack coping skills are more likely to cope with strain with delinquent responses
• Ex.: An individual who drives the speed limit is consistently late to work and is docked pay every paycheck. The pay loss each month has begun to accumulate is affecting their ability to pay bills. Therefore, the strain causes negative emotional states to develop such as stress, anxiety, and frustration. This ultimately may result in an individual choosing to break the law and speed to work rather than abiding the speed limit.