Robert Agnew

Robert Agnew is a prominent American criminologist best known for developing the General Strain Theory. This theory explains that people may commit crimes due to various types of stressors or strains in their lives, such as financial difficulties, relationship problems, or loss of a loved one. Agnew argues that these negative experiences can lead to feelings of frustration and anger, prompting some individuals to turn to criminal behavior as a coping mechanism. His work has significantly influenced both the understanding of crime and approaches to prevention and intervention in criminal behavior.