A new test of classic strain theory

The central variable in classic strain theory is the individual's level of dissatisfaction or frustration with his or her monetary status. This variable, however, has been ignored in virtually all tests of the theory. Most often, strain is measured indirectly in terms of the disjunction between aspirations and expectations. This paper directly measures dissatisfaction with monetary status, and draws on classic strain theory to explore the determinants and effects of such dissatisfaction. Data from a sample of adults in Cincinnati indicate that dissatisfaction is highest among objectively deprived individuals and those who desire a lot of money, have low expectations for making a lot of money, and feel relatively deprived. Further, dissatisfaction has a positive effect on both income-generating crime and drug use. This effect is strongest among those who have criminal friends and beliefs conductive to crime. Unlike the findings in much previous research, these data provide qualified support for classic str...

[1]  R. Agnew.  Foundation for a General Strain Theory of Crime and Delinquency , 1992, Crime, Inequality and the State.

[2]  Thomas J. Bernard.  Control Criticisms of Strain Theories: An Assessment of Theoretical and Empirical Adequacy , 1984 .

[3]  S. West,et al.  Multiple Regression: Testing and Interpreting Interactions. , 1994 .

[4]  Richard Rosenfeld,et al.  Crime and the American Dream , 1993 .

[5]  Thomas J. Bernard.  ANGRY AGGRESSION AMONG THE “TRULY DISADVANTAGED”* , 1990 .

[6]  J. Hagan.  Crime and disrepute , 1994 .

[7]  R. Meier,et al.  SPECIFYING THE SES/DELINQUENCY RELATIONSHIP , 1990 .

[8]  Velmer S. Burton,et al.  RELIGION AND CRIME REEXAMINED: THE IMPACT OF RELIGION, SECULAR CONTROLS, AND SOCIAL ECOLOGY ON ADULT CRIMINALITY* , 1995 .

[9]  R. Merton.  Social Theory and Social Structure , 1958 .

[10]  S. Menard.  A Developmental Test of Mertonian Anomie Theory , 1995 .

[11]  J. Averill,et al.  Anger and Aggression: An Essay on Emotion , 1982 .

[12]  D. Dillman.  Mail and telephone surveys : the total design method , 1979 .

[13]  L. T. Empey.  Social Class and Occupational Aspiration: A Comparison of Absolute and Relative Measurement , 1956 .

[14]  R. Agnew.  Testing the Leading Crime Theories: An Alternative Strategy Focusing on Motivational Processes , 1995 .

[15]  Delbert S. Elliott,et al.  Explaining Delinquency and Drug Use , 1985 .

[16]  R. Agnew,et al.  Gender and Crime: A General Strain Theory Perspective , 1997 .

[17]  J. Hagan.  THE POVERTY OF A CLASSLESS OF CRIMINOLOGY—THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CRIMINOLOGY 1991 PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS CRIMINOLOGY , 1992 .

[18]  William D. Berry.  Understanding regression assumptions , 1993 .

[19]  Alex Thio.  A Critical Look at Merton's Anomie Theory , 1975 .

[20]  THE SOCIOLOGY OF THE DEVIANT ACT: ANOMIE THEORY AND BEYOND. , 1965 .

[21]  Lloyd E. Ohlin,et al.  Delinquency And Opportunity , 1960 .

[22]  Velmer S. Burton,et al.  Reconsidering strain theory: Operationalization, rival theories, and adult criminality , 1994 .

[23]  R. Agnew,et al.  ADAPTING TO DEPRIVATION: AN EXAMINATION OF INFLATED EDUCATIONAL EXPECTATIONS , 1988 .

[24]  C. R. Tittle.  Social Class and Criminal Behavior: A Critique of the Theoretical Foundation , 1983 .

[25]  R. Agnew.  A Revised Strain Theory of Delinquency , 1985 .

[26]  F. Adler,et al.  The Legacy of Anomie Theory , 1996 .

[27]  J. Hagan.  The Poverty of a Classless Criminology , 1995 .

[28]  Robert Agnew,et al.  Delinquency and the desire for money , 1994 .