Strain Theory: Insights on Trump’s Revolution

By Cliff Potts, Editor-in-Chief, WPS News

Baybay City, Philippines | January 20, 2025 — Strain theory, developed by sociologist Robert K. Merton, sheds light on how societal pressures can lead individuals to engage in deviant behavior. According to Merton, when people cannot achieve culturally approved goals through legitimate means, they may adapt through one of four pathways: conformity, innovation, ritualism, and retreatism.

As Donald Trump stands convicted of 34 felony charges linked to efforts to influence the 2016 election via hush money payments, the implications of strain theory become apparent in both his behavior and that of his supporters. Initially, Trump may have relied on conformity by utilizing conventional campaign strategies. However, faced with mounting legal pressures and the potential loss of power, he could have shifted to innovation, seeking alternative, illicit means to maintain his influence.

The reaction of Trump’s supporters also fits into Merton’s framework. Many defend him vigorously, suggesting a form of ritualism, where they maintain loyalty to him despite the legal proceedings. Others, feeling alienated from traditional political avenues, may even be exhibiting retreatism, withdrawing from engagement with a system they perceive as corrupt.

As the nation approaches the possibility of Trump’s return to office on January 20, 2025, strain theory provides a lens through which to understand the behaviors influencing contemporary American politics and society.

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Deep Criminological Analysis of Donald Trump’s Legal Challenges and Political Resurgence

The political landscape of the United States has seen unprecedented developments with the legal troubles of Donald Trump, who was recently convicted on 34 charges related to a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 presidential election. This situation presents significant criminological implications, particularly when viewed through the lens of Merton’s strain theory.

The allegations against Trump illustrate a complex interplay of ambition, power dynamics, and legal constraints. Merton’s phases of adaptation offer insight into Trump’s motivations for engaging in such behavior. Initially, Trump’s adherence to societal expectations may have involved legitimate campaign strategies. However, as he confronted the potential for political setbacks, the immense pressure to maintain his public persona and influence likely guided him toward innovative—but illegal—means. In this regard, Trump’s actions reflect a significant departure from conventional political behavior, positioned within the broader societal narrative of power at all costs.

Moreover, the supportive reaction from his base cannot be overlooked. Merton’s concept of ritualism is critical here; Trump’s followers remain fiercely loyal, evincing a greater willingness to overlook his legal transgressions. This blind loyalty is indicative of a broader societal phenomenon: a retreat from traditional political discourse and a shift toward a more tribalistic approach to politics. Many supporters view the legal challenges against Trump as politically motivated attacks, reflecting a pervasive distrust of the establishment.

The implications of Trump’s conviction extend beyond individual behavior; they pose questions about the integrity of political institutions and the rule of law. Trump’s political positioning following his conviction indicates an attempt to capitalize on his legal struggles as a narrative of persecution, which resonates with supporters who feel marginalized by the mainstream political system. By characterizing himself as a victim of a corrupt system, Trump effectively transforms legal ramifications into a political weapon, reinforcing his base’s commitment and potentially attracting new supporters disillusioned with conventional politics.

In, the legal challenges faced by Donald Trump exemplify the dynamics of strain theory in action, reflecting not only his personal deviation from traditional political norms but also a broader cultural shift among his supporters. The November 5, 2024 election results, which saw Trump defeat Kamala Harris with less than 50% of the popular vote, underscore the complex interplay of accountability and political ambition.

Trump’s ability to leverage his legal troubles as a rallying point indicates how crime, born from social strain, can paradoxically reap rewards by aligning with his socially acceptable goals of power and influence. This outcome illustrates a concerning phenomenon where perceived injustices within the political system can bolster a candidate’s appeal, allowing them to thrive despite—or even because of—controversial behavior.

Moreover, Trump’s rise could potentially align with Robert K. Merton’s fifth phase of social strain: revolution. This phase occurs when a significant portion of society rejects both the established societal goals and the means of achieving them, leading to a movement aimed at radically altering the system. Several factors could contribute to a revolutionary mindset among Trump’s supporters and others disillusioned by the political landscape.

First, many supporters express a profound distrust in traditional political institutions, viewing them as corrupt or unresponsive to their needs. This disillusionment can fuel revolutionary sentiments as individuals seek to dismantle the existing structures and replace them with a system they perceive to be more aligned with their values and goals.

Second, the current political climate is marked by significant polarization, with various groups feeling marginalized or unheard. This strain can lead to calls for radical change when individuals believe conventional methods of political engagement are ineffective. A sense of urgency for reform may galvanize movements seeking transformation.

Additionally, Trump’s rise is indicative of a broader populist trend, where leaders position themselves as champions of the “common people” against a perceived elite. If this narrative continues to resonate, it could inspire a collective push for a revolutionary shift in governance, redefining power dynamics and societal norms.

Lastly, Trump’s legal troubles and his portrayal as a victim of a biased system may incite his followers to advocate for drastic measures against what they see as injustices. This can further embolden revolutionary aspirations among those who feel the status quo needs to be upended.

As this narrative continues to unfold, it raises critical questions about the resilience of democratic values and underscores the potential for strain-induced adaptations to reshape political landscapes in unprecedented ways. The confluence of social strain, disillusionment, and the desire for radical change could ultimately not only redefine American political norms but also challenge the fundamental principles of governance.

In Summation: the Eye of the Political Storm

Donald Trump’s recent election victory over Kamala Harris, despite his felony convictions, reveals a tumultuous political landscape shaped by social strain. Trump’s legal challenges have paradoxically solidified his base, as many perceive him as a victim of a corrupt system. This disillusionment has sparked revolutionary sentiments, with supporters distrusting traditional institutions and advocating for drastic change. As the nation grapples with polarization and a longing for reform, the potential for radical shifts in governance looms large. In this new era, Trump’s rise may not just disrupt norms but also redefine the very foundation of American democracy.