Strain Theory of Juvenile Delinquency

Description: Strain Theory of Juvenile Delinquency
Number of Questions: 14
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Tags: sociology deviance crime juvenile delinquency
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According to the strain theory, what is the primary cause of juvenile delinquency?

  1. Lack of parental supervision

  2. Poverty and economic inequality

  3. Peer pressure

  4. Biological factors


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The strain theory posits that juvenile delinquency is a result of the strain experienced by individuals who are unable to achieve their goals through legitimate means due to structural factors such as poverty and economic inequality.

Who developed the strain theory of juvenile delinquency?

  1. Robert K. Merton

  2. Edwin H. Sutherland

  3. Clifford R. Shaw

  4. Henry McKay


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Robert K. Merton developed the strain theory of juvenile delinquency in his 1938 paper titled 'Social Structure and Anomie.'

What are the two main types of strain identified by Merton?

  1. Institutionalized and individual

  2. Structural and cultural

  3. Formal and informal

  4. Primary and secondary


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Merton identified two main types of strain: structural strain, which arises from the gap between culturally prescribed goals and the legitimate means available to achieve them, and cultural strain, which arises from the conflict between different cultural values and norms.

What is the concept of 'anomie' central to the strain theory?

  1. A state of normlessness and value conflict

  2. A lack of social control

  3. A breakdown of social order

  4. A state of anomie


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Anomie, a key concept in the strain theory, refers to a state of normlessness and value conflict that arises when there is a discrepancy between culturally prescribed goals and the legitimate means available to achieve them.

How does strain lead to juvenile delinquency according to the strain theory?

  1. It leads to frustration and anger.

  2. It leads to a sense of hopelessness and despair.

  3. It leads to a desire for revenge.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Strain can lead to juvenile delinquency through a combination of frustration, anger, hopelessness, despair, and a desire for revenge, which may motivate individuals to engage in delinquent behavior as a means of coping with their strain.

What are some of the common coping mechanisms used by individuals experiencing strain?

  1. Conformity

  2. Innovation

  3. Ritualism

  4. Retreatism


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Individuals experiencing strain may adopt various coping mechanisms, including conformity (accepting both the goals and the means to achieve them), innovation (accepting the goals but rejecting the legitimate means), ritualism (rejecting the goals but accepting the means), and retreatism (rejecting both the goals and the means).

Which of the following is an example of innovation according to the strain theory?

  1. Stealing to obtain money for basic necessities

  2. Joining a gang for protection and support

  3. Dropping out of school to pursue a career in music

  4. Using drugs to escape from reality


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Innovation, as defined by the strain theory, involves accepting the culturally prescribed goals but rejecting the legitimate means to achieve them. Stealing to obtain money for basic necessities is an example of innovation, as it involves accepting the goal of having money but rejecting the legitimate means of earning it.

What is the difference between structural strain and cultural strain?

  1. Structural strain arises from the gap between goals and means, while cultural strain arises from the conflict between different cultural values.

  2. Structural strain arises from the conflict between different cultural values, while cultural strain arises from the gap between goals and means.

  3. Structural strain arises from the conflict between different social classes, while cultural strain arises from the conflict between different ethnic groups.

  4. Structural strain arises from the conflict between different political ideologies, while cultural strain arises from the conflict between different religious beliefs.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Structural strain arises from the gap between culturally prescribed goals and the legitimate means available to achieve them, while cultural strain arises from the conflict between different cultural values and norms.

How does the strain theory explain the higher rates of juvenile delinquency among certain social groups?

  1. These groups experience higher levels of poverty and economic inequality.

  2. These groups have weaker social support networks.

  3. These groups have less access to educational and employment opportunities.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The strain theory suggests that certain social groups experience higher rates of juvenile delinquency due to a combination of factors, including higher levels of poverty and economic inequality, weaker social support networks, and less access to educational and employment opportunities.

What are some of the criticisms of the strain theory?

  1. It is too deterministic and ignores the role of individual agency.

  2. It does not adequately explain why some individuals experiencing strain engage in delinquency while others do not.

  3. It focuses too much on structural factors and neglects the role of cultural and psychological factors.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The strain theory has been criticized for being too deterministic, ignoring the role of individual agency, not adequately explaining why some individuals experiencing strain engage in delinquency while others do not, and focusing too much on structural factors while neglecting the role of cultural and psychological factors.

Despite its limitations, why is the strain theory still considered a valuable tool for understanding juvenile delinquency?

  1. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the relationship between social structure and juvenile delinquency.

  2. It has been supported by a large body of empirical research.

  3. It has been used to develop effective prevention and intervention programs.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The strain theory is still considered a valuable tool for understanding juvenile delinquency because it provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the relationship between social structure and juvenile delinquency, it has been supported by a large body of empirical research, and it has been used to develop effective prevention and intervention programs.

How can the strain theory be used to inform policy and practice aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency?

  1. By addressing the structural factors that contribute to strain, such as poverty and economic inequality.

  2. By strengthening social support networks and providing opportunities for education and employment.

  3. By developing prevention and intervention programs that target the underlying causes of strain.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The strain theory can be used to inform policy and practice aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency by addressing the structural factors that contribute to strain, strengthening social support networks and providing opportunities for education and employment, and developing prevention and intervention programs that target the underlying causes of strain.

What are some of the key theoretical concepts related to the strain theory?

  1. Anomie

  2. Structural strain

  3. Cultural strain

  4. Social control


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Key theoretical concepts related to the strain theory include anomie, structural strain, cultural strain, and social control.

What is the relationship between the strain theory and other theories of juvenile delinquency?

  1. The strain theory is compatible with other theories, such as social control theory and labeling theory.

  2. The strain theory is incompatible with other theories, such as social control theory and labeling theory.

  3. The strain theory is the only theory that can explain juvenile delinquency.

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The strain theory is compatible with other theories of juvenile delinquency, such as social control theory and labeling theory, and can be used to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.

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