Robert Agnew (criminologist)

Robert Agnew (born 1953) is a highly influential criminologist known primarily for his development of the ''General Strain Theory'' (GST). This theory, a significant advancement in the field, posits that strains, or negative experiences, increase the likelihood of crime. Unlike earlier strain theories that focused primarily on economic inequality, Agnew's GST broadened the scope to encompass a wider range of stressors, including the failure to achieve positively valued goals, the removal of positively valued stimuli, and the presentation of negative stimuli. These strains can be experienced in various aspects of life, such as family, school, and work.

Agnew's work emphasizes the importance of negative emotions, such as anger and frustration, as mediators between strain and criminal behavior. He argues that individuals experiencing strain may resort to crime as a coping mechanism to alleviate these negative emotions or to retaliate against those perceived as responsible for their plight. GST has been widely applied in various areas of criminological research, explaining diverse forms of crime across different demographics and contexts.

His contributions extend beyond GST; Agnew has also made significant contributions to the understanding of delinquency and other forms of criminal behavior through empirical research and theoretical development. His work is characterized by its clarity, rigor, and empirical support, establishing him as a leading figure in contemporary criminology. He continues to be actively involved in research and teaching, shaping the direction of the field. Further research into Agnew's specific publications and contributions will yield a more comprehensive understanding of his impact on criminology.