What is the strain theory and why is it considered a contemporary version of structural functionalist theory of deviance? Who is the creator of this theory? Describe the five responses to strain with an example of someone who fits the category.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

but should include Travis Hirschi as the creator of strain theory, a contemporary structural-functional approach to deviance (consider if Hirschi was already identified in relation to strain theory in another question you have included in your test). Strain theory is considered a contemporary structural-functional approach because it is concerned with structures that provide institutionalized means to achieve cultural goals and because it deals with structural relationships between goals and institutionalized means. For instance, Americans place a value on economic success, but not everyone has access to the accepted means to achieve it. This creates strain. There are five adaptations to strain: 1. Conformists accept the cultural goal and have the means to achieve those goals; 2. Innovators accept the cultural goals but reject the conventional means for achieving them 3. Ritualists cannot achieve the cultural goals but continue to engage in the conventional behavior associated with achieving them; 4. Retreatists reject the cultural goals and the traditional routes to their attainment, giving up completely on attaining success in that system; and 5. Rebels, like retreatists, reject the traditional means and goals, but they substitute different means and goals that they are interested in.