Exam 8: A General Strain Theory of Community Differences in Crime Rates, Robert Agnew

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Communities can inspire deviance among its residents through various social and environmental factors. Agnew's General Strain Theory (GST) provides a framework for understanding how communities might contribute to the development of deviant behavior, particularly violent crime.

According to GST, individuals experience strain when they are unable to achieve their goals, are exposed to negative stimuli, or have their valued resources removed. Communities can create these strains through a variety of mechanisms. For example, communities with high levels of poverty, unemployment, and limited access to resources can create strain for its residents. When individuals are unable to achieve their goals due to these structural barriers, they may turn to deviant behavior as a means of coping with their frustration and anger.

Additionally, communities with high levels of social disorganization, weak social bonds, and limited informal social control can also contribute to deviant behavior. When individuals do not feel connected to their community or have limited opportunities for positive social interactions, they may be more likely to engage in deviant behavior as a way to seek out alternative sources of validation and support.

Furthermore, communities that are characterized by high levels of violence, crime, and exposure to criminal role models can also contribute to the development of deviant behavior among its residents. When individuals are exposed to these negative stimuli on a regular basis, they may become desensitized to violence and crime, leading them to engage in similar behaviors themselves.

In summary, communities can inspire deviance among its residents by creating strains, weakening social bonds, and exposing individuals to negative stimuli. By understanding the tenets of Agnew's GST, we can see how communities might inadvertently contribute to the very problems with violent crime they often try to prevent. It is important for communities to address these underlying factors in order to create a more supportive and positive environment for its residents, ultimately reducing the likelihood of deviant behavior and violent crime.