Merton’s Strain Theory revolves around the disjunction between culturally promoted goals and the means available to achieve them. In Tommy’s case, growing up in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood might have presented a significant gap between the societal emphasis on success and the limited opportunities to attain it. This mismatch could potentially lead individuals like Tommy to seek alternative paths, such as joining gangs, as a means to achieve those culturally prescribed goals in an environment where traditional avenues are obstructed. Supporting propositions within Merton’s Strain Theory suggest that individuals facing societal pressures to succeed without viable means may experience strain, leading to various modes of adaptation, including rebellion or deviance. Tommy, facing a lack of legitimate avenues for success, might have turned to the gang as a means of rebellion against societal norms or as a way to find a sense of belonging and identity within the community. However, the theory might not comprehensively address all aspects of Tommy’s involvement. There might be gaps in understanding the emotional, psychological, or personal motivations that drove him to engage in criminal activities. Psychological theories like attachment theory or trauma theory could offer additional insights into Tommy’s involvement, considering factors such as his upbringing, experiences of trauma or neglect, and emotional vulnerabilities that might have contributed to his decision-making. In Tommy’s case, a comprehensive understanding might require a combination of sociological theories like Merton’s Strain Theory along with psychological frameworks to capture the complexity of his involvement in gangs and crime. Integrating both perspectives could potentially offer a more nuanced explanation for his behavior.
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