Strain Theory
Strain Theory
What is Strain Theory?
Strain Theory is a sociological and criminological theory developed primarily by Robert K. Merton in the 1930s. It explains why individuals may engage in criminal or deviant behavior due to the pressure (strain) they feel when they cannot achieve socially accepted goals through legitimate means.
Core Idea:
Society sets culturally approved goals (e.g., wealth, success).
Society also defines acceptable means to achieve these goals (e.g., education, employment).
When individuals face a disjunction between goals and means — such as poverty, discrimination, or lack of opportunity — they experience strain.
This strain leads to frustration and may push individuals toward deviant or criminal behavior to achieve those goals by alternative means.
Modes of Adaptation (Merton’s Typology):
Conformity: Accept goals and means.
Innovation: Accept goals but use illegitimate means (e.g., crime).
Ritualism: Reject goals but accept means.
Retreatism: Reject goals and means.
Rebellion: Reject and replace goals and means.
Significance of Strain Theory:
Explains why crime rates are often higher in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.
Shows crime as a social response to structural inequalities.
Influences policies focusing on social reform and equal opportunity.
Case Laws Related to Strain Theory (Conceptually Applied)
Note: Courts rarely explicitly cite sociological theories like strain theory but often address underlying issues like socio-economic pressures leading to crime.
1. State of Maharashtra v. Mohd. Yakub (1980) — Supreme Court of India
Facts:
The accused was involved in a theft case. The defense argued that poverty and lack of legitimate opportunities forced him to commit the crime.
Judgment:
The Court acknowledged that economic deprivation can create pressures that lead to criminal acts. However, it emphasized the importance of law and order but showed leniency in sentencing considering the social context.
Key Takeaway:
The judgment implicitly recognizes strain due to socio-economic factors contributing to criminal behavior, supporting rehabilitative rather than purely punitive justice.
2. Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab (1980) — Supreme Court of India
Facts:
This was a death penalty case. One argument was that socio-economic strain influenced the accused’s criminal conduct.
Judgment:
The Court considered socio-economic background as a mitigating factor while upholding the death penalty in rare, heinous cases. It balanced individual circumstances with societal protection.
Key Takeaway:
Strain theory aspects influence sentencing decisions, demonstrating that courts consider social pressures alongside legal facts.
3. Rex v. Dudley and Stephens (1884) — English Court
Facts:
Two sailors killed and ate a cabin boy to survive after being stranded at sea. The defense cited extreme necessity due to strain of survival.
Judgment:
The court rejected necessity as a defense for murder but acknowledged extreme pressures that led to the crime.
Key Takeaway:
Although not directly about socio-economic strain, the case shows how courts consider strain (here survival pressure) when evaluating criminal intent.
4. Social Justice Foundation v. Union of India (2014) — Delhi High Court
Facts:
Petition regarding crime rates among unemployed youth in urban slums.
Judgment:
The court recognized unemployment and social deprivation as root causes of crime, urging the government to focus on social welfare and employment schemes.
Key Takeaway:
The judgment reflects strain theory’s argument that lack of opportunity fuels crime and calls for systemic social reform.
5. People’s Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India (1982) — Supreme Court of India
Facts:
The case concerned exploitation of construction workers living in poverty and poor conditions.
Judgment:
The Court highlighted how socio-economic conditions can lead to social unrest and criminal behavior and emphasized state responsibility for social justice.
Key Takeaway:
The ruling underscores strain theory’s emphasis on structural factors influencing deviance.
Summary
Strain Theory explains crime as a response to socio-economic pressures.
Courts recognize socio-economic strain as a factor influencing criminal behavior, often considering it in sentencing and policy directions.
Judgments show an awareness of social context, underlying causes, and sometimes urge for reforms to address root causes.
The theory supports a balance between punishment and rehabilitation.
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