Final answer:
Strain theory suggests that crime results from the pressure individuals feel when they cannot attain societal goals through legitimate means due to structural inequalities such as income inequality, racism, and poverty.
Step-by-step explanation:
Strain Theory and Crime
According to strain theorists, strain refers to the pressure that individuals feel to reach socially accepted goals by accepted means. This strain arises when there is a disjunction between societal expectations for success and the structurally available means to achieve that success. Sociologist Robert Merton's strain theory posits that this mismatch causes strain, leading individuals to engage in deviant behavior to achieve their goals. For instance, someone who desires financial success but lacks the means may resort to crime.
Strain is primarily caused by the structure of society, particularly the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities. Factors such as income inequality, racism, poverty, and poor education are identified as contributors to strain. When individuals encounter barriers to success through legitimate pathways, they may experience frustration and pressure to use illegitimate means such as crime to achieve societal goals.
Strain leads to crime when individuals adapt to the lack of legitimate means by resorting to deviance. For example, embezzlement may be an adaptation by an individual who cannot afford to launch a business legitimately but still strives for the socially valued goal of financial success.