Criminal Justice Theories

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Summary of the following criminology theories:

Strain Theories:
The original theory of general strain theory was developed by Durkheim and Merton and was revised by Robert Agnew. Mr. Agnew utilized empirical data collected by Durkheim and Merton to generate a broader scope that placed more emphasis on those variables that contributed to the general strain theory. Robert Agnew based his theory on the concept that when people are treated badly they may get upset and engage in a crime, which contributes to the possibilities that a person may commit a crime. In review of these two concepts he generated a hypothesis that shows a linkage between strain and crime committed.
Agnew's general strain theory associated two types of methods in which a person can measure strain that contributes to crime; subjective and objective view points. The subjective viewpoint is when the individual in question is asked directly to whether or not they believe they're being treated fairly in society. Objective viewpoint is when the researcher views actual actions that contribute to the individual's viewpoint to contributing factors.
Under Agnew's general strain theory he then conducted an analysis to what factors may contribute to strain. For example, strain from family, autonomy, respect, or negative stimuli. It's believed that when the person experiences these types of strain in their life based on internal or external factors, the creation of deviant behavior is generated through the person's assumptions in how he or she is living up to society, family, or individual expectations. Different levels of strain contribute to anger and/or depression and is said to lead the person to conduct illegal activities. Robert Agnew's general strain theory is believed to have a focal on those living in low-income brackets, but states it can occur in many different communities without regard to income bracket.
Robert Agnew created a hypothesis that generated factors and beliefs in both genders. For example, females often display general strain theory if they face discrimination, foul treatment, failure to achieve goals, and damage to family bonds. Males on the other hand may encounter general strain theory when they have conflict with peers, family, and materialistic failure in regards to goals. Regardless of the individual and/or gender, there are many ...