Robert Agnew implements the new term “strain” into the anomie theory. By using this term, the author addresses the problem of the American dream affirmation and the social and psychological pressure created by the materialistic society order.
The American dream itself within the capitalistic society creates inequality. The humiliated minorities are psychologically and materially strained. As a result of this phenomenon, people experience behavioral manifestations such as escapism, instrumentalism, and retaliation.
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