๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆintro to sociology review

Strain Theory of Deviance

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025

Definition

Strain Theory of Deviance suggests that societal pressures can push individuals toward committing deviant acts due to the strain or stress they experience from being unable to achieve culturally approved goals through legitimate means. It posits that when thereโ€™s a disconnect between societal goals and the means available to achieve them, deviance is a likely outcome.