Abstract
AbstractThis article proposes Robert Agnew's general strain theory (GST) as an alternative to subcultural and social disorganization theories. Unlike other crime theories, GST highlights the negative social relations and emotions that pressure individuals into crime. GST is particularly relevant to urban youth violence; young people have a greater tendency to experience strains conducive to violence and to react to them with violence. Moreover, GST helps to explain the self-perpetuating cycle of violence that consumes many youth, a major phenomenon in many inner-city communities whereby high levels of violent victimization act as a major strain that prompts further violence. After providing an overview of GST, this article examines how it explains urban youth violence. It then reviews research on the validity of GST and its application to urban youth violence, giving special attention to research on community violence exposure/victimization. It also uses GST to explain the origin of those deviant subcultures that also trigger urban youth violence.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call