Introduction
The strain theory investigates the correlation between the stressors of everyday life and the impact they may have on individuals, pushing them to commit a crime. Juvenile delinquency is a sensitive topic, and the strain theory perfectly explains the cause of crimes amongst the youngest members of society (Chen & Cheung, 2019). During the juvenile stage of life, pressure is at a steady rise. Expectations for the youth of a community in terms of academics and general societal conduct change daily. Juveniles also experience regular pressure from their friends and peers.
Conformity
Conformity is the first response to these pressures by youths under it. Conformity implies that they surrender to the forces exerted on them and conduct themselves in the manner that the proponents of these forces desire (Levesque, 2020). Conformity is a huge contributor to crime as the pressures youths bow to could be criminally involved. For example, friends of a juvenile could be involved in a crime and lead a fancy life from this crime. They may ridicule the youth for appearing simple and persuade the innocent juvenile to indulge in that crime. Conforming to the pressure of the friends would render the youth accomplices.
Innovation
Innovation is an additional response to strains and pressures presented by society to the juvenile. Innovation is generally regarded in a positive light in most cases and scenarios. In the context of juvenile delinquency, however, innovation would be a response to pressure and lead to crimes amongst the youths (Thaxton & Agnew, 2017). When the need arises amongst the youths, they mostly turn to their parents and guardians for aid. Youths with unsupportive parents and guardians cannot turn to this avenue. They must be innovative by seeking alternatives that may involve crimes such as robbery and drug possession and abuse. While this innovation is aimed at meeting their various needs, it is a result of societal pressures that may lead to crime.
References
Chen, X., & Cheung, Y. (2020). School characteristics, strain, and adolescent delinquency: A test of macro-level strain theory in china. Asian Journal of Criminology, 15(1).
Levesque, M. (2020). Juvenile delinquency and general strain theory. Honors Theses. Web.
Thaxton, S., & Agnew, R. (2017). When criminal coping is likely: An examination of conditioning effects in general strain theory. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 34(4), 887–920. Web.