Summary
strain theory
Strain Theory
Strain Theory, developed by Robert K. Merton, is the theory I believe is best in this context. Says that people may present deviant behavior, including crime when they feel disconnected from societal goals and lack the material means to get them. In the case of Tommy Shakur Ross, this disconnection might be due to limited access to means and wealth, pushing him towards alternative, criminal paths like gangs to gain this kind of status they believe is the best path. Additionally, if groups within Tommy’s community endorsed gang involvement as a good way to achieve success and respect, he might have been influenced by these other attributes. However, Strain Theory has limitations as it may not fully consider individual agency, personal choices, or other factors contributing to criminal behavior. Incorporating socioeconomic status could emphasize the theory’s power, showing the special challenges individuals like Tommy face. Furthermore, the theory might not fully explore outside influences like peer pressure, family issues, or factors of the environment that could impact Tommy’s involvement in gangs, areas where the podcast might provide additional insights. Also, Strain Theory’s focus on society structures might overlook how individuals experience things within specific cultural comunities. By integrating intersectionality, the theory could better show how various factors like race, socioeconomic status, and cultural influences shape Tommy’s experiences and contribute to his involvement in these criminal activities. Finally, the theory’s focus on cultural goals may benefit from a more complex examination of the outside influences creating Tommy’s choices, including the relationship of peer relationships, family background, and the environmental conditioin his community. The podcast could offer valuable insights into these outside elements, shedding light on the factors influencing Tommy Shakur Ross’s journey into gang involvement and crimelife.
