General strain theory (GST) is a theory of criminology developed by Robert Agnew.[1][2][3] General strain theory has gained a significant amount of academic attention since being developed in 1992.[4] Robert Agnew's general strain theory is considered to be a solid theory, has accumulated a significant amount of empirical evidence, and has also expanded its primary scope by offering explanations of phenomena outside of criminal behavior.[5] This theory is presented as a micro-level theory because it focuses more on a single person at a time rather than looking at the whole of society.[6]
Agnew recognized that strain theory, originally put forward by Robert King Merton, was limited in terms of fully conceptualizing the range of possible sources of strain in society, especially among youth. According to Merton, innovation occurs when society emphasizes socially desirable and approved goals but at the same time provides inadequate opportunity to achieve these goals with the legitimate institutionalized means. In other words those members of society who find themselves in a position of financial strain yet wish to achieve material success resort to crime in order to achieve socially desirable goals. Agnew supports this assumption but he also believes that, when dealing with youth, there are other factors that incite criminal behaviour. He suggests that negative experiences can lead to stress even when they are not financially induced.
Agnew described four characteristics of strains that are most likely to lead to crime: 1) strains are seen as unjust, 2) strains are seen as high in magnitude, 3) strains are associated with low social control, and 4) strains create some pressure or incentive to engage in criminal coping.[7]
:1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).