Technocrime and Strain Theory

This chapter explores a body of theory which focuses on a particularly irritating, yet significant, experience – strain. It focuses specifically on two of the most influential forms of strain theory within criminology – Merton's Anomic Strain Theory and Agnew's General Strain Theory. It articulates a glaring need for more qualitative inquiries into the kinds of strains, emotions, and other factors that should be given priority in technocrime research from a General Strain Theory (GST) perspective. Strain theory has enjoyed a storied history within the criminological cannon, beginning with the work of Robert K. Merton in the early 20th century. Vicarious strain is the stress one feels when witnessing the "inequitable treatment of others" – an indirect strain experienced through the suffering of others. The connection between perceptions of justice/fairness and strain may be useful in understanding a particular technocrime issue which has captured tremendous political, public, and media attention in recent years: hacktivism.