Identify one theory discussed in the lesson. Discuss why you believe this theory could be applicable to researching a criminal justice topic. Why, or why not?
REPLY TO MY CLASSMATES RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE QUESTION AND EXPLAIN WHY YOU AGREE? (A MINIMUM OF 150 WORDS)
CLASSMATES POST
The five theories presented in this lesson were interesting, however, I chose to explain the strain theory and how it can be applied to research. I suppose it made it more intriguing that the person that created the theory used to be a magician, so perhaps he saw something that others didnt. According to this theory people commit crimes because of stressors of their environment. When people are upset, enraged, or under enormous pressure they are more likely to commit a crime (theft, violence, abuse). Society pushes the narrative that money is power and the more you have the better you are, so there is a constant strain to achieve this goal. Individuals because of this societal pressure will go to any length to attain or possess the necessities of life or high-end luxury items. This creates a state of anomie as well as disparity between wealth and poor. Using this theory could explain where crime is most common and especially among those that are most dissatisfied with a certain social status. Additionally, there is a link between failure and how that failure creates a strain to the individual. The strain can manipulate or change an individuals perception of values, ethos, or overall, well-being. Creating a gap between the rich and poor creates a resentment among the social classes. The strain theory can be applicable to most research topics regarding criminal justice.
