Strain theory was developed by Robert king Merton in 1957, which states that, social structure of society compel an individual to commit crime. When an individual in a society cannot achieve culturally approved goal via culturally approved ways, it can be stressful for him and may leads to deviant behavior. For example, if an individual gets professional degrees by attending classes regularly in college, studying hard for exams and is yet not able to secure job, on the basis of his credentials. He may choose culturally unacceptable means to gain financial security like, selling drugs or getting involved in street crimes or robberies.
In capitalist societies individuals’ goal is to become economically prosper. However, few have means to achieve that goal. If the gap between the goals and means to obtain that goal is widen, it may lead to deviance. To accumulate wealth in a society requires wealth, few may succeed in accumulating wealth without the means in culturally approved way but, majority turn towards committing crime to achieve goal of economic prosperity. According to Robert Merton individuals can adapt five ways, when they are in strain. Which are as follow, conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism and rebellion.
Conformity
Conformist are those individuals, who believe in the norms of society. They obtain their goal by culturally approved means. For example, getting degree from college and getting a job in a reputable firm or organization which pays well.
Innovation
Innovators are those individuals who approve of society goals. However, reject the culturally accepted means to achieve them. Such people use the illegitimate means to achieve society goals. For example, if an individual cheats in exams to get a degree or sell drugs to achieve financial security will be called innovator.
Ritualism
The people who have given up on the society goals. However, using the culturally approved means to earn their livelihood.
Retreatism
Those people comes under the category of retreatism, who have given up on society goals and the socially accepted means to obtain them. Such people are the dropout of society, people who lives on streets and drifters.
Rebellion
Such people rejects the society goals and the approved way of achieving them. However, they choose the alternative values. They are like revolutionaries who create alternate society for themselves.
