Examining and Expanding Latinx General Strain Theory

• Author: Deena A. Isom Scott,Serita Whiting,Jessica M. Grosholz
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/2153368720930409
• Published date: 01 April 2023
• Date: 01 April 2023
• Subject Matter: Articles

Article

Examining and Expanding

Latinx General Strain Theory

Deena A. Isom Scott

1

, Serita Whiting

2

,

and Jessica M. Grosholz

3

Abstract

Since the initial articulation of general strain theory (GST), Agnew has suggested

strains may function differently—in type, response, and impact—for different groups.

We build upon P´

erez and colleagues’ foundational arguments for a Latinx GST by

investigating the role of the ethnically specific strains they propose in addition to other

strains argued to disproportionately impact people of Color. Furthermore, we

examine the protective role of positive ethnic identity against the negative effects of

strainful experiences for Latinxs. Using a sample of Latinx youth from the Project on

Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, we highlight not only the unique

strains faced by Latinxs in America, but how they distinctly experience and respond to

criminogenic strains.

Keywords

general strain theory, Latinxs, ethnic identity, anger, depression, offending

Since the initial articulation of GST, Agnew (1992, 2006) has suggested strains may

function differently—in type, response, and impact—for different groups. With such

in mind, as well as in response to critical scholars’ call for orthodox theories to bring

marginalized experiences to the forefront (e.g., Potter, 2015; Russell, 1992), Agnew

1

Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, African American Studies Program, University of South

Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA

2

College of Juvenile Justice and Psychology, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, USA

3

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, Sarasota, FL,

USA

Corresponding Author:

Deena A. Isom Scott, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, African American Studies Program,

University of South Carolina, 1305 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.

Email: isom@mailbox.sc.edu

Race and Justice

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DOI: 10.1177/2153368720930409

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2023, Vol. 13(2) 231–255

and colleagues have formulated gender-specific (Broidy & Agnew, 1997) and race-

specific (Kaufman et al., 2008) articulations of GST. In 2008, P´erez and colleagues

further added to this growing body of culturally specific articulations of GST by

focusing on the unique experiences of Latinxs.

1

They suggested Latinxs distinctly

experience discrimination and acculturative strain increasing their likelihood of

criminal behavior (P´erez et al., 2008). Since P´erez et al.’s (2008) foundational

argument for a Latinx GST, other works have highlighted parallels and distinct

pathways to crime between Blacks and Latinxs in America (e.g., Isom Scott, 2020;

Rios, 2011; Wilkinson, 2003).

This study assesses and builds upon P´erez et al.’s (2008) foundational arguments

for a Latinx GST by investigating the role of the ethnically specific strains they

propose in addition to other strains argued to disproportionately impact people of

Color (Isom Scott & Grosholz, 2018; Kaufman et al., 2008; Peck, 2013). Fur-

thermore, we examine the protective role of positive ethnic identity against the

negative effects of strainful experiences for Latinxs (Isom Scott, 2020, 2018;

Unnever & Gabbidon, 2011). Our findings add to the race-/ethnicity-centric liter-

ature and bring insight into an oft-overlooked population that has ever-increasing

contact in recent time with the American criminal justice system (Lopez &

Livingston, 2009; Sakala, 2014). In what follows, we bring Latinxs forefront by

examining the foundations for a Latinx GST and bringing the lived experiences of

Latinxs central to tenets of GST.

Bringing Latinxs Into the Fold of GST

GST argues that individuals experience three different types of strain—the loss of

something valuable, the failure to achieve a desired goal, and/or the presence of a

noxious stimuli. These undesirable life experiences lead to negative emotions such

as anger, frustration, or depression. In order to combat these negative affective

states, individuals must take some sort of corrective action. For those who lack

acceptable and legitimate coping skills, the aforementioned strains may lead to

criminal behavior (Agnew, 1992, 2006). Over the years, scholars have found

moderate empirical support for GST across a variety of samples and groups lending

credibility to the theory’s generalizability (e.g., Agnew & Brezina, 1997; Broidy,

2001; Hay, 2003; Jang & Johnson, 2003; Mazerolle et al., 2003; Piquero & Sea-

lock, 2010).

In addition to its empirical support with diverse populations, GST is the only

leading orthodox theory to attempt to move beyond “add and stir” approaches by

providing gendered and race-centric articulations of its arguments.

2

For instance,

Kaufman and colleagues (2008) suggested Blacks experience race-specific strains

such as disadvantaged social positions, racial discrimination, economic short-

comings, and injustices which are conducivetocrime.Givenarelativelackof

social support and access to legitimate coping resources due to their structural

position in American society, Blacks are more likely to cope with strains and the

induced negative emotions with crime comparedtoWhites(Kaufmanetal.,

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