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SAGE Journal User Guide

Journal Article Questions

1. How does strain influence juvenile delinquency?
2. How do Merton’s and Durkheim’s Anomie differ?
3. Do noxious stimuli and removal of positive stimuli effect juveniles differently than adults?
4. Is strain experienced by all members of society?  Use theory to explain your answer?
5. Does a state of normlessness exist in modern society?  If so when and where?

Strain, Attribution, and Traffic Delinquency Among Young Drivers: Measuring and Testing General Strain Theory in the Context of Driving Ellwanger, Steven J. Crime & Delinquency, Oct 2007; vol. 53: pp. 523 - 551.

Abstract:

This article enhances our knowledge of general strain theory (GST) by applying it to the context of traffic delinquency. It does so by first describing and confirming the development of a social–psychological measure allowing for a test of GST. Structural regression analysis is subsequently employed to test the theory within this context across a range of delinquent driving behaviors. Tests indicate that strain experienced while operating a motor vehicle consists of distinct contexts that when considered separately both enhance our understanding of GST and spell policy implications for state-directed interventions. Implications for future GST testing, measurement, and application are also discussed.

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Examining the Links between Strain, Situational and Dispositional Anger, and Crime: Further Specifying and Testing General Strain Theory Mazerolle, P., Piquero, A.R., Capowich, G.E. Youth & Society, Dec 2003; vol. 35: pp. 131 - 157.

Abstract:

Past research testing General Strain Theory has relied on trait-based, static indicators of anger, assuming that "anger people" develop angry emotional states (i.e., situational anger) when exposed to strain. Here, the authors explore whether the relationship between strain, anger, and deviant outcomes varies as a function of whether trait-based or situational-based measures of anger are used. Additionally, using structural equation modeling, they examine whether individuals with high levels of trait anger have an increased likelihood of experiencing strain, becoming angry due to strain, and responding with deviance. The results reveal that relying on trait-based static indicators of anger is problematic. The findings demonstrate that the relationship between anger and deviant outcomes is attenuated when trait-based measures of anger are used. Moreover, results also reveal that trait anger increases deviant outcomes independent of the effects of strain or situational anger, which suggests that different mechanisms are operating.

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Durkheim's Concept of Anomie and the Abuse at Abu Ghraib Mestrovic, S.G., Lorenzo, R. Journal of Classical Sociology, May 2008; vol. 8: pp. 179 - 207.

Abstract:

Durkheim's classical understanding of anomie as a societal condition of dérèglement or derangement is compared and contrasted with the functionalist understanding of anomie as normlessness. Assumptions are examined in the two different versions of anomie regarding culture, norms, agency, the international context, collective consciousness, military law, and other issues pertaining to abuse at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. Major General Fay's report on the abuse at Abu Ghraib is analyzed in the context of this sociological scrutiny regarding the meanings of anomie. We conclude that Durkheim's understanding of anomie seems to exhibit more fidelity than the Parsonian version to the facts concerning torture and abuse at Abu Ghraib as revealed during courts-martial and in government reports. We examine the implications for both social theory and the US Army of conceptualizing abuse at Abu Ghraib in the context of Durkheim's understanding of anomie.