Theoretical Explanation Of Addiction  Strain Theory

This paper would discuss about Social Strain Theory and for a better understanding, the paper would use the story of a Meth addict to explain more about this theory. Social strain theory “a set of meritocratic principles which assured the American public that equality of opportunity was available to all, regardless of class, gender or ethnicity” (Revise Sociology, 2015). Individuals are taught to attain a level of wealth to be seen as successful in society. Individuals are also taught to pursue these goals through legitimate means such as getting an education and also having a job. Attaining these goals through legitimate means cannot be possible for every individual; and this brings about anomie. Theoretical Explanation Of Addiction  Strain Theory

Anomie is described as the imbalance between cultural goals and institutionalized (legitimate) means. “More specifically, Agnew identified three general categories of strain:

• the failure to achieve any positively valued goal,
• the removal (or threatened removal) of positively valued stimuli,
• the presentation (or threat) of noxious stimuli” (Gallupe & Baron, 2009).

When individuals are faced with a strain in society, they have five ways to adapt. The five different types of adaptation are Conformity, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism and Rebellion. Conformity is when you conform to the social norms by pursuing the societal goals through the socially approved means. Innovation is when you use societal unapproved means to achieve the approved societal goals. Ritualism is when you use the approved societal means to achieve less of the societal approved goals. Retreatism is when you reject the societal approved goals and the means but instead you find to escape them. Rebellion is when you reject the societal approved means and goals and you find a way to change them. Theoretical Explanation Of Addiction  Strain Theory