Theories serve several functions in the development and evaluation of scientific knowledge. Theories provide us with systematic procedures to evaluate social phenomenon. These procedures are well organized and comprehensive. Theories are not just knowledge structures; they are sets of interrelated statements that apply to a wide range of phenomenon. In this case the phenomenon includes the association between society's explanations for the causes of crime and delinquency and society's responses to crime and delinquency. Two theories that help us to understand this include the strain and anomie theories. We address issues based on the way we view them. However, the perception the public has of crime is not always clear, and the public does not necessarily consider the question of cause in a direct and specific fashion. .
The American dream, crazily sought after, and rarely achieved, as some theorists would say. People of the lower class or should I say of all socioeconomic classes have this preconceived notion that the American dream is attainable if you just work hard and believe in the system. However, the strain and anomie theories prove otherwise. People of all different backgrounds share this eager desire to obtain the status of the economically elite, but for some it is considered impossible (Agnew 31). In the societal class system it is hard for those in the lower classes to actually seek out and reach their goal, or even attain a little piece of the American dream (Agnew 31). The dream that is instilled in the ideologies of the vast majority of society, the ideology that keeps adults and children alike, to keep pushing and striving to get more. .
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The strain theory recognizes the position we are in and explains why some people are not capable of reaching that golden dream. The dreams are jammed in the heads of so many people, but they lack the means of attaining them successfully and/or legally.