oals of economic success and goal-blockage.
Recent research has been critical of strain theory (Agnew, 1985; Gibbons, 1986). One criticism described by Agnew (1985) is that, if strain theory did in fact explain juvenile delinquency, juvenile delinquents would have high aspirations for success but perceive that they couldn't expect to attain it. But studies have shown that juvenile delinquency is highest when aspirations and expectations are low (Agnew, 1985). But Agnew does not clarify whether or not aspirations may have decreased after conventional paths to success were blocked, thus fostering a feeling of hopelessness and frustration, leading to deviant or criminal behavior. "Strain, as measured by perceptions that occupational and other long-term opportunities are limited, does not appear to be an important [or exclusive] factor in producing delinquent conduct" (Gibbons, 1986, p. 192).
Social control theory as presented by Hirschi (1969) argues that delinquency is inherent in human personality and that social and cultu
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