Strain Theories and Labelling Theories: A Critical Examination through an Anti-Oppressive Lens

Abstract

Informed by the intersectionality and social justice perspectives, this article examines twoprominent schools of thought in criminology, namely strain and labelling theories. Our analysisreveals that strain and labelling theories have not adequately attended to social justice,particularly systemic oppression, in their explanations of youth crime. We propose the use ofrestorative justice as an alternative framework that may address the limitations of strain andlabelling theories.