Explain structural strain theory. List and define the five modes of adaptation.

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Explain structural strain theory. List and define the five modesof adaptation.

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In sociology and criminology strain theory states that social structures within society may pressure citizens to commit crime Following on the work of mile Durkheim strain theories have been advanced by Robert King Merton 1938 Albert K Cohen 1955 Richard Cloward Lloyd Ohlin 1960 Neil Smelser 1963 Robert Agnew 1992 Steven Messner and Richard Rosenfeld 1994 Strain theory Strain theory is a sociology and criminology theory developed in 1938 by Robert K Merton The theory states that society puts pressure on individuals to achieve socially accepted goals such as the American dream though they lack the means This leads to strain which may lead individuals to commit crimes like selling drugs or becoming involved in prostitution as a means to gain financial security Strain could be Structural this refers to the processes at the societal level which filter down and affect how the individual perceives his or her needs ie if particular social structures are inherently inadequate or there is inadequate regulation this may change the individuals perceptions as to means and opportunities or Individual this refers to the frictions and pains experienced by an individual as he or she looks for ways to satisfy his or her needs ie if the goals of a society become significant to an individual actually achieving them may become more important than the means adopted Mertons theory Robert King Merton was an American sociologist who argued that society can encourage deviance to a large degree Merton believed that socially accepted goals put pressure on people to conform His theory was developed largely due to the social and economic circumstances See Answer

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