Robert Agnew developed a model in criminology, General Strain Theory, which recounts that there exist numerous variables that influence the effect of strain on criminal activities. The concept is one of the leading models in this subject. Notably, the existence of a range of strains increases the likelihood of crime. Primarily, to enhance criminal coping, the convergence of individual factors is necessary (Agnew 2013). Coping skills and resources, peer influence, and lack of self-control are among variables that increase the likelihood of crime. Social structures in society are a major component in determining the level of crime in that community since they may force citizens to commit a crime.
Fundamentally, before criminal coping occur, some underlying factors must be present. Mainly, criminal coping takes place when individuals are likely to engage in unlawful activities due to some conflicting emotions such as anger and frustrations. Particularly, to begin with, the circumstances must be conducive to enhance this aspect. The existence of factors that promote crime such as criminal victimization may enhance criminal coping. Secondly, an individual ought to be undergoing a situation, which they perceive as unfair and whose occurrence is quite frequent. People may deem some incidents in their life as unjust, thus become upset and result in crime to counter them. For example, a person may engage in violence to stop harassment from others.
Lastly, to enhance criminal coping, an individual must possess attributes that create inclination for the vice (Agnew, 2013). People that participate in criminal activities exhibit traits that are not ethically upright. Hence, they do not find it wrong to participate in such activities. Crime is unethical in most societal setting and is often condemned in most backgrounds. Therefore, perpetrating crimes is undesirable, and individuals that engage in it are considered to lack moral uprightness.
References
Agnew, R. (2013). When criminal coping is likely: An extension of General Strain Theory. Deviant Behavior, 3(4), 653-670.
