Dr. Robert Agnew - Strain Theory in Criminal Justice - 1/6

Dr. Robert Agnew's lecture delivered at Eastern Kentucky University - College of Justice and Safety in 2005 titled "Strain Theory in Criminal Justice".

Dr. Agnew attended Rutgers College from 1971 to 1975 where he earned his B.A. with highest honors and highest distinction in sociology. He went on to receive his M.A. in sociology, as well as his PhD in sociology, from UNC at Chapel Hill.

From fall 1980-present he has been Assistant Professor to Professor of Sociology at Emory University. The courses he taught include juvenile delinquency, criminology, social research, violence studies (an interdisciplinary course), causes of crime (graduate), controlling crime (graduate), biosocial bases of crime (graduate), teaching sociology (graduate). Dr. Agnew was also the Director of the Internship Program from 1982-85.

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[Keihotaru81]

>Mardasee,

I don't mind it at all about how people rate me. What I meant to say, really, was that one should really do some research about the topic prior to giving out his or her opinion in order to avoid appearing ridiculous. Well, this is the internet after all, and you do have your freedom of speech. You are free to express your opinions.

Do know know the true definition of sociopath? I do realize that there're more of you than us who critically examine an issue prior to making a comment.

[labhras99]

wow, this guy is intresting.

[MyLyricalLies]

Saved my degree! Cheers!

[majestic00000]

tranny stink faggot funk party

[whiff1962]

@poolerboy0077 A interation of those frustrated Marxian social engineers. This theory is an expedient to a decidedly left-leaning political vision, consistent with the Marxian notions of alienation and anomy.

[whiff1962]

But it is not an empirical fact that some are born with mental illness, and given the poverty of the science, and the degree to which scientism figures in present psychiatric doctrine and discourse, the opposite assertion cannot be satisfactorily defended, but no matter. I would take it that features of this strain theory would be a lot more easily implemented in a prison setting? What might be a good title to better flesh out "strain theory". Has the profession been receptive of Agnew?

[poolerboy0077]

@whiff1962 To me that seems like saying we know some are born with mental illnesses so why study psychopathy in greater detail? Strain theory deals w/ types & sources of strain. Agnew's take is more a generalized theory directed at an individual's immediate environment rather than social structures at large. This can aid institutional rehabilitation by identifying key factors: interpersonal skills, temperament, etc. It can help identify in detail strain for inmates which precipitate misconduct.

[whiff1962]

I am not a sociologist or criminologist, however, I do have some background in both, by way of university coursework. When speaking of "rehabilitation", what means and ways are we speaking of? Is such rehabilitation undertaken in an institutional setting? It seems to me that these ivory tower types are simply restating the obvious: that environment figures importantly in one's psychosocial development. And so what? Is there anything new under the sun with Dr. Agnew's theoretical take?

[poolerboy0077]

@whiff1962 "Is it not easier to alter the individual and thereby alter the social, rather than the obverse."

Often times no. And not just for this theory suggests this. Take a youth involved in gangs. Rehabilitating them will work so long as that person no longer goes back to the environment that took them down that path. Often times this is impossible. Robert Merton and Robert Agnew both work at Universities which conduct private research (Columbia and Emory Universities).

[whiff1962]

@poolerboy0077 And all this verbiage to say what? That there be a response to socially engineer? Is it not easier to alter the individual and thereby alter the social, rather than the obverse. Isn't this what institutional psychiatry serves for the status quo? This is not a theory of behavior, so much as a political blueprint for greater state spending and intervention. Is it germane to ask whether this was publically or privately funded research?

[poolerboy0077]

@jcp5383 a theory that claims social structures may encourage its citizens to commit crime. So for example, in the U.S. we're saturated with dreams of opportunity, freedom and prosperity (i.e. the American Dream). Most people buy into this dream and it becomes a powerful cultural and psychological motivation. if the social structure of opportunities is unequal and prevents the majority from realizing the dream, some of them will turn to illegitimate means (crime) in order to realize it.

[jcp5383]

what is strain theory?