Structural Strain Theory is primarily attributed to which criminologist?

Structural Strain Theory is primarily attributed to Robert Merton. This theory posits that society sets culturally approved goals and socially acceptable means to achieve those goals. When individuals experience a disconnection between societal goals and the means available to achieve them, strain results, leading some individuals to turn to deviance or criminal behavior as a coping mechanism.

Merton's theory builds upon Émile Durkheim's analysis of the relationship between societal structure and individual behavior, yet it specifically delineates how strained societal structures can lead to crime. It introduces a typology that includes conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion, providing a framework for understanding the diversity of responses individuals have to strain.

The other names listed, such as Michael Gottfredson, who is known for his work related to self-control theory, and Travis Hirschi, who developed the social bond theory, do not focus on the structural aspects of strain as Merton does. Thus, Robert Merton is correctly associated with Structural Strain Theory.