User:Sarfonia/General strain theory

The core idea of General Strain Theory is when people are treated negatively, they become upset and may respond with crime.

Policy Implications
General Strand Theory elaborates on the idea in several ways. It describes it in three ways (1) the type of adverse treatment or strains most likely to result in crime; (2) why these strains increase the likelihood of crime; and (3) why some people are more likely than others to respond to strains with a crime. There are several ways to reduce exposure to strains, which involve altering the social environment. For instance, we can eliminate strains conducive to crime, change strains to make them less conducive to crime, make it easier for people to avoid strains, and remove individuals from strains.

Strains contribute to a range of negative emotions, such as anger, frustration, and depression. These emotions create pressure for corrective action; people feel bad and want to do something about it. People may turn to crime to reduce or escape their strains, seek revenge against others, and to alleviate negative emotions. Strains may also cause the social learning of crime. Some strained people may band together to reduce their strain, such as forming a gang. They may encourage one another to engage in crime. Sometimes strains lead people to believe crime is favorable, such as people who can't achieve monetary success the legal way; they may think theft and selling drugs are justifiable.

Policy implications state that people all differ in terms of how they perceive, experience, and respond to the environment. There is a good reason to believe that these differences influence the amount of strain experienced (Page 38). Some people act in ways that increase their exposure to strains. This is true for people that have traits of low constraint. These people may sometimes be called "mean," "nasty," or out of control. Sometimes, these people like to receive adverse treatment from others, such as parents, teachers, peers, and employers. For example, parents may become frustrated with the behavior of their child and respond by employing harsh, even abusive disciplinary techniques.

There have been several programs that have shown success in preparing people with the traits and skills that allow them to avoid strains better. Some programs try to teach people how to control their anger better and exercise self-control. A variety of strategies for reducing exposure to strains and the likelihood of coping with strains were described. Those strategies focus on the person and their environment and the larger society. The policies have shown that they can reduce by demonstrations. It makes it clear that GST offers suggestions for reducing crime in our community.