What is the strain theory of crime?

The strain theory of crime suggests that societal pressures contribute to criminal behavior by creating a disconnect between culturally approved goals and the means available to achieve those goals. In other words, when individuals are unable to achieve societal success—often defined in terms of wealth, status, or education—they may experience strain or frustration. This disconnection can lead to a variety of responses, including conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, or rebellion, with innovation being the route where individuals choose to engage in criminal activities to achieve these societal goals illicitly.

The theory emphasizes how societal structure and the distribution of resources can create unequal opportunities for success, leading to criminal behavior as a rational response to this pressure. For example, if a person is unable to succeed through legitimate means due to socio-economic barriers, they might turn to theft or fraud as alternative methods of achieving their desires.

Understanding strain theory is crucial for comprehending how social contexts influence criminal behavior, highlighting that crime is not merely an individual choice but is significantly shaped by external societal factors. This theory positions crime within a broader social framework, diverging from biological or psychological explanations that focus solely on individual traits or mental health concerns.