A comparative analysis of general strain theory

作者：Sigfusdottir Inga Dora^*; Kristjansson Alfgeir Logi; Agnew Robert

来源：Journal of Criminal Justice, 2012, 40(2): 117-127.

DOI：10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2012.01.001

Purpose: Since its introduction in 1992, general strain theory (GST) has garnered much empirical support. The large share of this support, however, derives from studies conducted in the United States. There is little comparative research on GST, particularly research that examines the effect of the same or similar strains on crime across countries. Thus, we know little about the generalizability of GST. This study attempts to fill this gap by testing GST in five different cities across Europe: Bucharest in Romania. Sofia in Bulgaria, Riga in Latvia, Kaunas in Lithuania and Reykjavik in Iceland.
Methods: We examine the relationship between five strain measures and violent- and property crime among samples of adolescents in each city using regression techniques.
Results: The data are generally supportive of GST, with most of the strains having significant associations with property and violent crime in all or most of the cities.
Conclusion: GST is generalizable to a range of European cities. Implications and examples for future comparative research on GST are discussed.

• 出版日期2012-4
• 单位南宁师范大学