Question

George is a successful stockbroker and lives in an upper-middle-class community. However, while many of his neighbors own expensive sports cars, George cannot afford one. He engages in insider trading to obtain the money to buy a sports car. Which best explains George's involvement in crime?

a) General strain theory.
b) Social learning theory.
c) Differential association theory.
d) Routine activity theory.

Answer 1

George's action of engaging in insider trading because he cannot afford a sports car, like his neighbors, is best explained by General Strain Theory, which posits that crimes can occur when there is a strain between societal goals and the legitimate means to achieve them (a).

Step-by-step explanation:

George’s involvement in insider trading to obtain money for a sports car can best be explained by General Strain Theory. This criminological theory, developed by sociologist Robert Merton, suggests that individuals may commit crimes when they are unable to achieve socially valued goals through legitimate means. George, as a successful stockbroker, is situated in a context where financial success and material symbols such as sports cars represent achievement.

However, facing the strain of not being able to afford such status symbols legitimately, he turns to deviance - in this case, insider trading - to bridge the gap between cultural goals and the means available to him to achieve those goals. This reflects the core premise of strain theory, where societal pressures can push individuals towards criminal behavior when legitimate avenues are unavailable or insufficient to meet those societal expectations.