CrimComics Issue 5 Anomie and Strain Theories

CrimComics offers a new way to approach criminological theory by engaging students with impactful, highly visual illustrated texts. Each CrimComics Issue traces the development of the theory--placing it in social and political context--and demonstrates its application to the real world. The last page of each Issue features review questions and key terms.

Issue 5, Anomie and Strain Theories, introduces students to Robert Merton's Anomie Theory, which posits that the idea of the American dream is implicated in the social production of crime. It also discusses two extensions of his theory, General Strain Theory and Institutional-Anomie Theory. Other issues include Issue 1: Origins of Criminology, Issue 2: Biology and Criminality, Issue 3: Classical and Neoclassical Criminology, and Issue 4, Social Disorganization Theory.

Krista S. Gehring is an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Houston-Downtown.

Michael R. Batista is a professional freelance illustrator.