Examining and Expanding Latinx General Strain Theory

2020 ◽  
pp. 215336872093040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deena A. Isom Scott ◽  
Serita Whiting ◽  
Jessica M. Grosholz

Since the initial articulation of general strain theory (GST), Agnew has suggested strains may function differently—in type, response, and impact—for different groups. We build upon Pérez and colleagues’ foundational arguments for a Latinx GST by investigating the role of the ethnically specific strains they propose in addition to other strains argued to disproportionately impact people of Color. Furthermore, we examine the protective role of positive ethnic identity against the negative effects of strainful experiences for Latinxs. Using a sample of Latinx youth from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, we highlight not only the unique strains faced by Latinxs in America, but how they distinctly experience and respond to criminogenic strains.

Author(s):  
Timothy Brezina

General strain theory (GST) provides a unique explanation of crime and delinquency. In contrast to control and learning theories, GST focuses explicitly on negative treatment by others and is the only major theory of crime and delinquency to highlight the role of negative emotions in the etiology of offending. According to GST, the experience of strain or stress tends to generate negative emotions such as anger, frustration, depression, and despair. These negative emotions, in turn, are said to create pressures for corrective action, with crime or delinquency being one possible response. GST was designed, in part, to address criticisms leveled against previous versions of strain theory. Earlier versions of strain theory have been criticized for focusing on a narrow range of possible strains, for their inability to explain why only some strained individuals resort to crime or delinquency, and for limited empirical support. GST has been partly successful in overcoming these limitations. Since its inception, the theory has received a considerable amount of attention from researchers, has enjoyed a fair amount of empirical support, and has been credited with helping to revitalize the strain theory tradition. The full potential of GST has yet to be realized, however, as the theory continues to evolve and further testing is required.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer E. Newman

The current study is a longitudinal analysis of psychosocial factors contributing to re-offending among 125 adult female offenders. Drawing on General Strain Theory (GST), the study examined the role of victimization and poverty on criminal recidivism and investigated whether this relationship was mediated by depression. Regression, survival, and mediational analyses were employed to examine the impact of these variables on criminal recidivism. Findings revealed that using illegal means to make ends meet, and having survived childhood sexual abuse, were particularly important predictors of recidivism for women in the study sample, although depression was not found to significantly mediate the relationship between strain and recidivism. Implications for future research on female recidivism and helping women to stay crime-free are discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-156
Author(s):  
Riza Bahtiar Sulistyan ◽  
Emmy Ermawati

The internet has changed the way employees get things done. However, many have not been on target regarding the use of the internet among employees. The availability of internet facilities in many organizations is used for personal gain or what is often referred to as cyberloafing behavior. General strain theory in this research is used to explain cyberloafing behavior. This behavior is not a criminal act but violates organizational regulations caused by organizational support and employee work stress. This study aims to assess the role of organizational support and reduce employee stress levels and cyberloafing behavior. The method used is in the form of PLS ​​by involving 330 government employees in Lumajang Regency as a sample. The results showed that the organizational support felt by employees was able to reduce work stress. Employees who feel work stress will tend to behave cyberloafing. The existence of high organizational support has increased employee cyberloafing behavior. The higher the perceived organizational support, the lower the level of employee work stress, and cyberloafing behavior. An important finding in this study is that the general strain theory has been able to prove the existence of cyberloafing behavior caused by organizational support and employee work stress.


2021 ◽  
pp. 215336872110479
Author(s):  
Egbert Zavala ◽  
Graciela Perez ◽  
Chiara Sabina

Recently, scholars have reintroduced a Latinx general strain theory in which it is suggested that ethnic-specific strains, including acculturation, are driving forces for criminal and delinquent behaviors among the Latinx population. Using data collected from the Dating Violence Among Latino Adolescents (DAVILA) Study, this study investigated whether these ethnic strains influenced delinquency differently based on the respondent's gender. Results indicate that boys engaged in more delinquent behaviors than girls, whereas girls were more acculturated than boys. Depression, anxiety, and social support were more prevalent among girls than among boys. In addition, girls were more likely to be enculturated and perform better in school than boys. Acculturation did not significantly predict delinquency for either boys or girls. In contrast, polyvictimization was the only variable to consistently predict delinquency among boys and girls. Results provided partial support for the hypotheses, in that, while depression and anxiety varied by gender as predicted by the gendered general strain theory, the ethnic-specific strain of acculturation failed to predict delinquent behavior in this sample. Ultimately, this study highlights the need to examine other ethnic-specific strains to better understand delinquent behavior among Latinx youth.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer E. Newman

The current study is a longitudinal analysis of psychosocial factors contributing to re-offending among 125 adult female offenders. Drawing on General Strain Theory (GST), the study examined the role of victimization and poverty on criminal recidivism and investigated whether this relationship was mediated by depression. Regression, survival, and mediational analyses were employed to examine the impact of these variables on criminal recidivism. Findings revealed that using illegal means to make ends meet, and having survived childhood sexual abuse, were particularly important predictors of recidivism for women in the study sample, although depression was not found to significantly mediate the relationship between strain and recidivism. Implications for future research on female recidivism and helping women to stay crime-free are discussed.


Criminology ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
LISA M. BROIDY

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