Examining and Expanding Latinx General Strain Theory

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 Pérez 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.

A Gendered Look at Latinx General Strain Theory

“…Our hypotheses align with the gendered notions of Broidy and Agnew (1997) and the ethnic-based propositions of Latinx GST (Isom Scott et al, 2020; also see Pérez et al, 2008) while accounting for the culturally-specific gendered nature of the Latinx experience. Below we assess these hypotheses using a subsample of Latinx youth from the PHDCN data (Earls et al, 2006, 2007a).…”

“…LGST (Isom Scott et al, 2020) proposes Latinxs are more likely to experience ethnically-specific strains, as well as additional strains, due to their marginalized position in American society. For the ethnically-specific strains, we measured acculturative stress with the mean of two items: “it is hard getting along not speaking English well” and “it is hard at your job because of your poor English” (1 = never to 4 = always; α = .476).…”

“…In particular, Latinxs find themselves in a unique disjuncture between American norms and their cultural heritage (Denner & Guzmán, 2006; Rios, 2011; Wilkinson, 2003). Research has found that acculturation-related strains are associated with various adverse outcomes like depression (Cortés, 2003), psychological distress (Gong et al, 2003), substance use (Salas-Wright et al, 2015), as well as increased delinquency and involvement with the criminal justice system (Alvarez-Rivera et al, 2014; Cobb et al, 2017; Isom Scott et al, 2020; Pérez et al, 2008). Additionally, Latinxs often face significant discrimination particularly when seeking legal, medical, and social services (e.g., Bauer et al, 2000; Kasturirangan & Williams, 2003; Rodríguez et al, 2001), with some arguing that this unfair treatment stems not from factors such as skin color, language skills, or education, but rather from their presumed immigrant status (Malavé & Giordani, 2015).…”

“…This, along with the calls from progressive scholars for inclusive theories and scholarship (e.g., Potter, 2015; Russell, 1992), inspired the articulations of gendered (Broidy & Agnew, 1997), racialized (Kaufman et al, 2008), and ethnically-specific (Pérez et al, 2008) versions of GST. Building on such work, Isom Scott and colleagues (2020) recently constructed and examined a revised version of Latinx general strain theory (LGST). While lending partial credence to LGST, Isom Scott et al (2020) failed to capture the gendered variation within the Latinx 2 experience.…”

“…Building on such work, Isom Scott and colleagues (2020) recently constructed and examined a revised version of Latinx general strain theory (LGST). While lending partial credence to LGST, Isom Scott et al (2020) failed to capture the gendered variation within the Latinx 2 experience. The present work expands upon their recent analysis and applies a gendered assessment of LGST.…”