Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Criminal Justice

First Advisor

Jeffery T. Walker

Abstract

In reaction to criticisms of existing strain theories, Agnew (1992) developed General Strain Theory, and in doing so moved toward micro-level conceptions of strain. A return to the cultural concepts found in traditional strain theories may provide a more complete examination of delinquency/criminality, as it would incorporate the influence that culture has on rates of delinquency/criminality among certain groups in American society. This thesis adds to the knowledge base of criminological thought through the creation of a new strain theory. Sociocultural Strain Theory (SST) may provide a better explanation of delinquency/criminality, particularly among racial/ethnic minorities, by taking into consideration cultural differences of subgroups. Due to the observable differences between Latino and mainstream American culture in addition to the recent influx of Latino immigrants into the United States, Latino culture is used as an exemplar in explaining SST; however, it is expected that SST is applicable beyond racial and ethnic minorities.

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