Economic strain theory

Definition

Economic strain theory suggests that individuals are more likely to engage in criminal behavior when they experience economic hardships, such as unemployment, poverty, or financial stress. This theory posits that when legitimate means to achieve success are blocked or limited, individuals may resort to illegitimate means, like crime, to cope with their economic challenges. The connection between economic difficulties and criminal activity is crucial in understanding how socioeconomic factors contribute to delinquency and school dropout rates.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Research shows that higher unemployment rates often correlate with increased crime rates, especially property crimes.
2. Economic strain theory highlights that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are at a greater risk of turning to crime as a response to their financial difficulties.
3. Young people facing economic strain may experience feelings of hopelessness, leading to increased school dropout rates and subsequent delinquent behaviors.
4. Access to education and job training can mitigate the effects of economic strain by providing alternative pathways for success.
5. Communities with high levels of poverty tend to have higher incidences of crime due to the lack of legitimate opportunities for success.

Review Questions

• How does economic strain theory explain the relationship between unemployment and crime rates?
  • Economic strain theory explains that when individuals face unemployment, they often feel a sense of frustration and hopelessness due to their inability to meet societal expectations for success. This frustration can lead them to resort to criminal activities as an alternative means of achieving financial stability or social acceptance. Consequently, higher unemployment rates are typically associated with an increase in crime rates, particularly in property-related offenses.
• In what ways does economic strain contribute to school dropout rates and subsequent delinquent behavior among youth?
  • Economic strain can significantly impact youth by creating an environment of instability and hopelessness, leading them to disengage from the educational system. Students facing financial hardships may struggle with attendance and focus, feeling that education is less relevant if they cannot envision a stable future. This disengagement can result in higher dropout rates, which increases the likelihood of delinquent behavior as these young people seek alternative means of achieving their goals outside of legitimate avenues.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing crime through addressing economic strain in communities.
  • Policies aimed at reducing crime by addressing economic strain can be effective if they focus on improving job opportunities and access to education within affected communities. Initiatives such as job training programs, educational scholarships, and community development projects can help alleviate financial hardships and provide legitimate pathways for success. However, for these policies to be truly effective, they must also address broader societal issues like systemic inequality and discrimination that often exacerbate economic strain, ensuring that all community members have fair access to opportunities.

Related terms

strain: Strain refers to the pressure or tension that individuals experience when their goals and means to achieve them are thwarted, leading to frustration and potential deviance.

anomie: Anomie describes a state of normlessness where societal expectations are unclear or absent, often resulting from rapid social changes or economic instability.

relative deprivation: Relative deprivation refers to the perception that one is worse off compared to others, which can lead to feelings of frustration and a higher likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior.