Peer Review

What is Strain Theory?

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Reviewed:: Sep 7, 2025 by Sociology

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

This 7-minute Introduction to Sociology video explains how people can be pressured to engage in criminal and deviant acts when they are not able to meet cultural expectations. The video explores Robert Merton’s typology, which classifies different responses to cultural strains. Theoretical and everyday applications of the Strain Theory are discussed, and reflection questions are included on the site. This video is part of the @SociologyVibes social science and sociology lecture series, where we dive into important sociological concepts, research, and sociologists.

Type of Material:

Presentation

Recommended Uses:

Since this is one of nine videos on a playlist that discusses Deviance, Crime, & Social Control, use the playlist to introduce students to this topic in sociology instead of a textbook. The combined (all 9 videos) is approximately one hour. Use the reflection questions in the video descriptions as a homework assignment or use them to create a multiple choice or short answer quiz/exam.

Technical Requirements:

Used Chrome

Identify Major Learning Goals:

Define Merton’s Strain Theory in the context of criminal justice and sociology.

Explain the idea that society sets culturally approved goals and socially accepted means to achieve them.

Understand Merton’s five adaptations to strain

Understand how structural inequalities create pressure or strain on individuals

Understand how strain can lead to crime and deviant behavior when people lack the means to achieve societal goals

Recognize the strengths and limitations of Merton’s strain theory

Target Student Population:

College General Ed, High School AP course, College Lower Division

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Prerequisites would be minimal since this is designed for an Introduction to Sociology course. It would be applicable as a general education or first-year course. If used in High School, a prerequisite may be a basic foundation in social studies or history.

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

Engaging. Colorful. Relevant information. Entertaining for students with music, videos, and constantly changing images. Speaker had good pauses and pace of speech. Simple explanation of the theory and it would be easy for students to follow.

Concerns:

The music in the background was too loud and overtook the main speaker’s voice.

Sociology Vibes is a series of videos that highlight common topics/concepts/theories for introductory sociology. The series could replace an introductory textbook or the playlist for a single topic (Deviance, Crime, & Social Control) could be used. Although an individual video (Strain Theory) could be used, the use of the playlist would effectively cover the main theories of Deviance and Crime.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

The speaker goes through the video organized, laying out the theory quickly. This is a short video (7:10) and explains the main components of this theory in an easy-to-digest, quick manner. It would be easy to incorporate a short video like this into any lesson. The discussion questions are in the chat area, so instructors could choose to use them or create their own. The flexibility makes this a lesson that can easily integrate into a classroom.

Reflection questions are provided in each description of the videos. The videos can appeal to audio and visual learners, increasing the potential for student learning. It is easily integrated into the course learning objectives for an introduction to sociology course. Given the length of the videos, it could be more efficient than a traditional textbook.

Concerns:

It does not identify any prerequisite knowledge. Although, this probably is not needed for this lesson as it is labeled for Introduction to Sociology. Prerequisites would be minimal since this is designed for an Introduction to Sociology course. It would be applicable as a general education or first-year course. If used in High School a prerequisite may be a basic foundation in social studies or history.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

This series of videos are easy to use - the colors are vibrant and text size are appropriate. Closed captioning is available. The reflection questions were easy to locate in the video description. A transcript is also available.

Concerns:

There are no references/sources for the media clips

Other Issues and Comments:: Easy resource to use as it is on YouTube.com. This can be shown in class or assigned as homework. Additionally, it is visually appealing for students.
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