Sample Solution

    The criminological theory I have selected for this presentation is strain theory. Strain theory is a social structure-based approach to crime and delinquency theorized by Robert Merton in 1938. This structural-conflict approach focuses on the idea that there is an imbalance between culturally accepted goals and the means available to individuals to achieve those goals, which causes tension or “strain” within society and leads people to commit crimes.      

Strain theory suggests that when legitimate pathways of success are blocked or unavailable, certain types of crime become a way for many individuals with limited economic resources to attain their desired material goods. Strain Theory explains the occurrence of crime by examining how different individual variables interact with external factors (such as poverty, unemployment and unequal access to education) resulting in increased pressure on some individuals, leading them towards criminal behavior. According to strain theorists, these external factors create a situation where some members of society lack access or opportunity for conventional achievement methods through legal channels, thus leading them instead toward illegitimate alternatives such as committing crime in order to meet their needs. At an individual level, strain theories look at various psychological motivations including perceived injustice and frustration caused by unfulfilled desires which can lead people into criminal activities due corruption or discrimination impeding successful attainment of goals through legitimate avenues. The following are three strategies/policies based on strain theory: 1) Education Reform - Strain Theory implies that unequal access to education can lead some individuals down paths towards deviance as they are unable to achieve their desired end goal(s). Thus educational reform policies could be implemented such as free college tuition for lower income households so that all students have equal opportunity regardless of family finances for achieving societal success through academic attainment. 2) Increase Living Wages – Low wages force people into situations where they cannot make ends meet; this type of financial insecurity increases strains among citizens making it more likely someone will turn towards criminal activity out of desperation since other opportunities seem unattainable or far from reach. Increasing living wages would help reduce this particular form of economic inequality while also providing struggling households more economic stability which will improve community well being overall while deterring crime at the same time. 3) Community Development Programs - These programs target disadvantaged neighborhoods designed around principles like job training skills development and counseling services geared specifically towards improving quality-of-life issues like increasing employment rates alleviating poverty etc.. Such initiatives offer residents with limited earning potential viable alternatives besides turning toward illegal activities which further reduces pressures found within certain communities thereby reducing overall levels of criminality therein over time through increased awareness & resources devoted solely toward helping vulnerable communities succeed without having resorting unethical practices in order do so.. These three strategies/policies are based on the tenet that unequal access/opportunity combined with financial stressors creates a perfect environment where criminal activity flourishes since traditional pathways no longer seem accessible enough satisfy ones wants/needs anymore making it necessary explore illicit routes instead under such conditions; therefore introducing policies address socioeconomic inequalities existing current day should help alleviate burdens targeted populations allowing them seek legal means satisfying personal objectives rather than relying illegal measures going forward future generations thus curbing criminality across board long run terms.. These strategies/policies are most likely impact property theft drug related offenses white collar fraud other crimes involving money power motivation behind transgressions being primarily motivated monetary need either directly indirectly meaning any strategy hopes reduce such offending must focus addressing root cause problem rather surface symptom itself; addition these tactics may contribute social change greater sense justice equity taking shape broader scope inspiring hope demoralized areas otherwise neglected underserved populace worldwide promoting better standard living countless lives moving forward equitable peaceful world whole .