In Joker  (2019), Arthur Fleck’s descent into crime and violence is a powerful  portrayal of how societal pressures can lead to deviant behavior. For  this journal entry, use strain theory to analyze  Arthur’s transformation into the Joker. Strain theory suggests that when  individuals are unable to achieve socially accepted goals through  legitimate means, they may experience strain, leading them to deviate  from societal norms.

Consider the following questions in your analysis:

• How do factors such as social isolation, poverty, and unmet social expectations  create strain for Arthur? Reflect on his struggle to find stability,  acceptance, and respect in a society that marginalizes and rejects him.
• How does Arthur’s inability to achieve these social goals (such as  financial stability, professional success, or meaningful relationships)  contribute to his increasing frustration and anger? What specific events  in the film trigger his transition from a victim of societal neglect to  a figure of deviance?
• Analyze how the film depicts the disconnection between societal expectations  (e.g., being successful, mentally stable, and socially accepted) and  the reality of Arthur’s life. How does this disconnection intensify his  feelings of powerlessness and resentment, leading to his violent  actions?
• Consider the role of mental health and societal neglect  in shaping Arthur’s transformation. How do the failures of the  healthcare system and lack of support exacerbate his sense of alienation  and strain?
• Explore how Arthur’s transformation reflects broader societal  issues, such as the stigmatization of mental illness, economic  inequality, and the pressure to conform to societal norms despite facing  overwhelming obstacles.