1. How does Dr. Agnew apply strain theory to climate change?
Dr. Agnew argues that climate change can lead to strain in several ways, including:
- Loss of property and livelihood. Climate change can lead to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and wildfires, which can destroy homes, businesses, and farmland. This can lead to financial hardship and a loss of sense of control, which can be a source of strain.
- Increased competition for resources. As the climate changes, there is likely to be increased competition for resources such as water, food, and land. This can lead to conflict and violence, which can also be a source of strain.
- Social disruption. Climate change can lead to social disruption, such as mass migration and displacement. This can disrupt people’s lives and relationships, which can be a source of strain.
- Mental health problems. Climate change can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These problems can also be a source of strain.
These strains can lead to crime in several ways. First, they can increase people’s frustration and anger, which can make them more likely to lash out violently. Second, they can reduce people’s ability to cope with stress, which can make them more likely to engage in impulsive and risky behavior. Third, they can lead to a breakdown of social norms, which can make it more acceptable to commit crime.
2. Now critically evaluate this argument about the relationship between climate change, strain, and crime. Do you find this argument persuasive? Why or why not? Support your answers and own ideas with evidence from the course material.
I find Dr. Agnew’s argument persuasive. The evidence suggests that climate change is already leading to strain in many parts of the world, and this strain is likely to increase in the future. As a result, I believe that climate change is likely to have a significant impact on crime rates in the years to come.
In the course material, we learned that strain theories are some of the most well-supported theories of crime. These theories suggest that crime is more likely to occur when people experience strain, or when they feel that their goals are blocked. Climate change can lead to strain in several ways, as Dr. Agnew has outlined. This suggests that climate change is likely to increase crime rates in the future.
Of course, there are other factors that can also contribute to crime, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity. However, I believe that climate change is likely to be a significant factor in crime rates in the years to come.
References
- Agnew, R. (2011). Dire forecast: A theoretical model of the impact of climate change on crime. Journal of Theoretical Criminology, 15(3), 283-307.
- Agnew, R. (2013). Strain theory and crime. In F.T. Cullen & P. Wilcox (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of criminological theory (pp. 313-334). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
- The Society Pages. (2012, February 5). Robert Agnew on crime and climate change. Retrieved from https://thesocietypages.org/officehours/2012/02/05/robert-agnew-on-crime-and-climate-change/
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