Rober Merton's Strain Theory

 Robert K Merton was a renowned American sociologist who created the Strain Theory. The Strain Theory is a concept that believes crime will be committed when people are pressured by the social structure and "strain" is present. "Strain" refers to the disparity between cultural goals and the means to fulfill those goals. So how does this theory correspond to homeless veterans if they do not necessarily commit crimes? Well, strain can be categorized into two different types of strain, structural strain, and individual strain. Structural strain refers to the process at a societal level that is hindered and affects the individuals understanding of his or her needs at that certain moment (UC Davis, 2021). This means that depending on your societal level or status, necessities change. This is vividly evident within homeless veterans since they go from protecting their country with their life to being left stranded in the streets. From being innovators to retreatists. Individual strain refers to the pain and obstructive experiences an individual partakes that lead them to find a different way to satisfy needs. In other words, past or present experiences that hampered an individual's mental, physical, and emotional status will lead them to find a way to satisfy their need, which more times than not is a negative form of satisfaction. This is also evident within homeless veterans as many satisfy their needs with alcohol or drugs. Life within the military is certain to bring about negative experiences that affect you for life. To live with these experiences many veterans are given medication that has long-term effects of depression, anxiety, stress and etc. When both structural and individual strain is present within an individual, they lose their sense of identity and do everything possible just to survive. These homeless veterans are then forced to live a life of drugs and medication. Many are not able to work due to injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder and conform back into society. However, to solve this issue we must look at the ones who do. In a qualitative study called "Millionaire Murrays", in which they interviewed and analyzed homeless veterans that became successful, they identified five themes that coexisted with each individual. Those themes were as followed: Developing Resilience Early, Hitting Rock Bottom, Subjective Definitions of Success, Footholds to Success, and Inspiration and Advice. (Tsai and Rodwan 2022 ) For most of these homeless veterans, the definitive step was the Footholds to Success in which they described the need to accept help, stay connected to resources, and draw upon their personal strengths. Taking this into consideration, to continue to decrease the number of homeless veterans as a society we must support them while they are at rock bottom. Once they lose all sense of hope and feel abandoned, they lose the battle. Many either die on the streets, are murdered, overdose, or commit suicide. We must find ways to fund organizations that will never abandon homeless veterans and be the moral support that helps them conform back into society.