Other contemporary developments in anomie may be analyzed by looking at strain theory as developed by Robert
Agnew. Strain theory refers to the theories of social disorganization, anomie, and subculture that focus on negative
social structures and relationships. As stated by Agnew in
1992, “strain theory has typically focused on relationships
in which others prevent the individual from achieving positively valued goals.” Agnew maintains that strain theory
should be expanded beyond the traditional emphasis on an
individual’s failure to achieve goals and include “all types of
negative relations between the individual and others.” He