Strain theory: argues that morality is based on wealth. asserts that motivation and personal responsibility are the key factors in living a healthy lifestyle. addresses the relationship between having socially acceptable goals and having socially acceptable means to reach those goals. states individuals learn deviant behavior from those close to them who provide models of and opportunities for deviance.

Strain theory "addresses the relationship between having socially acceptable goals and having socially acceptable means to reach those goals".

Strain theory, created by Emile Durkheim and later refined by Robert Merton in 1938, places that people may be influenced by society. Such weights put strain on the people if societal desires can't be met. The strain may incite the people to carry out violations. At the point when people carry out such violations, they want to reduce the weight from the strains or the adverse feelings related with the strains.  

The theory gives bits of knowledge into the strains that regularly lead to wrongdoing, why the strains impact wrongdoing, and impacts that may discourage one from perpetrating a wrongdoing as a result of such strains. These bits of knowledge enable criminologists to comprehend the thought processes and approaches to deflect the individuals who are progressively able to carry out wrongdoings as a result of societal strains.