ABSTRACT
According to Ruth Rosner Kornhauser, strain theory focuses on "the pressures to engage in delinquency," and strain involves "the frustration of needs or wants." Kornhauser critiqued strain theory in general, as well as the classic strain models of Robert Merton, Albert Cohen, and Richard Cloward. The chapter evaluates Kornhauser from the perspective of general strain theory (GST). GST combines elements from the stress literature and classic strain theory, and focuses on following categories of strain: the failure to achieve positively valued goals, the loss of positively valued stimuli, and the presentation of negative stimuli. GST examines several types of goal blockage not considered by classic strain theory, including the inability to achieve the goals of thrills/excitement, high levels of autonomy, and masculine status. Kornhauser draws primarily on the research on aspirations and expectations when critiquing strain theory, but she also states that strain theory is challenged by research indicating that there is a weak relationship between socioeconomic status and delinquency.
