Classical Constraints Theory, as introduced and defined by Robert Merton, is a theory of social structure used to explain the effect of community, particularly areas lower class, on its ability to achieve predetermined goals. , generally considered culturally normal. Merton hypothesized that all people belonging to a different culture and social structure have similar values, goals, and standards. He stated that within this social structure, certain individuals come from affluent upbringings and are therefore more likely to achieve these goals, and this will most likely be achieved through legitimate and culturally acceptable means. There are, however, Merton said, lower-class areas where individuals suffer from the lack of educational and economic opportunities afforded to the upper class, leading to resentment and anger among individuals at their inability to achieve goals. and stated goals through legitimate means. The despair felt by lower-class individuals is described by Merton as “tension.” These tensions manifest in social and psychological ways and can lead to what Merton calls “anomie.” Anomie, as defined by Merton, is frustration related to a person's inability to achieve their goals. The exact definition is “a state of normlessness, occurring when there is an acute disjuncture between cultural norms and goals and the socially structured capacities of group members to act in accordance with them.” This arises from society's concept that goals are more strongly emphasized than the means by which they are achieved. By emphasizing culturally accepted overall goals but failing to provide equal and fair means to achieve those goals, Merton felt that society had doomed the lower classes. inhabitants to a life of crime ... middle of paper ...... creation of opportunities, both economic, professional and educational, in order to enable citizens of the lower classes to fully realize their legitimate objectives. This is in direct opposition to many other policies created based on other theories, which instead focus on the juvenile justice system and creating sanctions and deterrents against crime. Classical constraint theory would instead create policy that places larger amounts of money in lower-class schools in order to encourage more educational support for lower-class youth. Furthermore, this theory could lead to the creation of more internships and jobs for urban youth in disadvantaged neighborhoods, with the aim of helping them receive money legitimately. Finally, lower class citizens must be informed of the negative impacts that illegal activities have on citizens and neighborhoods in order to encourage legitimate ways to succeed..