Criminology Strain Theory in 2pac's Lyrics Essay

Strain theory orates that the existing social structures in a community may pressure individuals into committing a crime. Criminal behavior is, therefore, a result of external pressure on the psychology and the socio-culture of the perpetrators. Hip-hop artists have addressed illegal activities through their lyrics and present evil as a consequence of psychological tensions affecting an individual. Financial stress propels individuals into criminal behavior where there is a perceived need to commit a crime to gain money to sustain themselves. In Shakur's Changes music video various representations in the lyrics demonstrate the strain theory.

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In the first stanza, Tupac links poverty to the crime which demonstrates the strain theory. Tupac says, "Am tired of being poor...my stomach hurts, so I'm looking for a purse to snatch" (Paulmavropoulous1993, 2009). The lyrics, in this case, show that the needs of the individual will force him or her to engage in crime. The psychological tension of poverty motivates the individual to think of engaging in misconduct. The lines show the relationship between financial stress and crime where an individual is forced to steal to feed themselves. The line illustrates the poverty levels of the black people in America who have to rely on criminal activities to earn a living. Merton's strain theory is represented in the line where success is more important than the means of achieving the success.

Tupac goes ahead and adds, "Crack the kids who the hell cares? The less hungry mouth on the welfare" (Paulmavropoulous1993, 2009). The line shows that poverty aggravates the need for an individual to do anything to alleviate their suffering. Tupac demonstrates the willingness of a person to give drugs to the kids since they cannot afford to provide for them. Giving drugs to the kid will reduce the number of people he has to feed which is a crime that is motivated by the financial strain he is experiencing. The line demonstrates role strain theory where individuals find it difficult to fulfill their sociological duties such as taking care of the children. The obligation of taking care of kids must be fulfilled by parents who may not have a means of accomplishing them and lead to individuals attempting to fulfill them through means that are unacceptable in the society.

In the second stanza Tupac says, "Selling crack to the kid, I gotta get paid...well that the way it is" (Paulmavropoulous1993, 2009). The line shows the link between financial needs and crime. Individuals have to engage in an activity that will ensure they acquire money whether they are socially acceptable or not. Tupac tries to project the strain by showing that an individual can sell drugs to a kid as long as they gain financially from the activity. Tupac represents Merton's strain theory as an account of criminal activity for financial gain. There is high value in achieving success especially when it is the monetary success. However, contradictions are in existence on the means available for achieving success. Success is more important than the medium used to obtain the success. The same standards for success have been set by the society even though the conventional means for achieving it are not available for everyone. Therefore, an individual has to be innovative through the use of socially unapproved methods such as selling drugs to obtain the goals that have been approved by the society.

Conclusion

Shakur's changes music video demonstrates the strain theory effectively. In the lyrics, the link between social pressure and crime is well displayed. The words express Merton's and role strain theory. The lines represent the struggles of the black Americans in the society and the reasons for their involvement in criminal activities. Therefore, Changes is a valid representation of the strain theory.

References

Paul Mavropoulos 1993. (2009). 2pac-Changes with Lyrics. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay9BWM8lwOA