PRESSURED INTO CRIME An Overview of General Strain Theory First Edition

Robert Agnew, Emory University

ISBN: 1-933220-25-2

softbound, 238 pages, ©2006

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"Pressured Into Crime presents a compelling case that strain is intimately implicated in criminal behavior. Conceptually sophisticated and with a strong fidelity to empirical research, this volume is an exemplar in criminological theorizing.  Indeed, Robert Agnew has crafted a classic contribution that no scholar can afford to ignore and that will be ideal reading in a range of criminology courses." --Francis T. Cullen, University of Cincinnati Past President, American Society of Criminology Roxbury is pleased to announce publication of PRESSURED INTO CRIME: An Overview of General Strain Theory by Robert Agnew. This brief book provides an overview of general strain theory (GST), one of the leading explanations of crime and delinquency, developed by author Robert Agnew. Written to be student-friendly, PRESSURED INTO CRIME features numerous real-world examples, insightful and colorful quotes from former and active criminals, clear summaries of major points, and challenging review and discussion questions at the end of each chapter. This book provides the following: It compares and contrasts GST to other leading theories of crime, including biopsychological, control, social learning, routine activities, and social disorganization theories (presenting brief descriptions of these theories). It describes the evidence on GST, including the most current research on the types of strains most likely to cause crime, why these strains cause crime, and the factors that influence the effects of strains on crime. It employs GST to explain patterns of offending over the life course as well as age, gender, class, and race/ethnic differences in offending. It uses GST to explain community and societal differences in crime rates. It draws on GST to make recommendations for reducing crime. It revises and extends GST to take into account the latest research findings. PRESSURED INTO CRIME allows students to explore this major theory in depth--reviewing the research on the theory, comparing it to other theories, and applying the theory to key issues in the study of crime.   TABLE OF CONTENTS   1. Why Do Individuals Engage in Crime? 2. Why Do Strains Increase the Likelihood of Crime? 3. What Types of Strains Are Most Likely To Cause Crime? 4. Why Are Some Individuals More Likely Than Others To Respond to Strains With Crime? 5. How Does General Strain Theory Explain Patterns of Offending Over the Life Course? 6. How Does General Strain Theory Explain Gender, Class, and Race/Ethnic Differences in Offending? 7. How Does General Strain Theory Explain Community and Societal Differences in Offending? 8. What Recommendations Does General Strain Theory Make for Reducing Crime? 9. An Overview of General Strain Theory