An unemployed young adult wants a stereo,but he doesn't have the money or the means of earning the money needed to buy it.His desire for the stereo overwhelms him,and he steals one from a local store.This incident illustrates which theory of deviance?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The incident illustrates the Anomie theory of deviance, which suggests that deviance occurs when there is a disconnection between societal goals and the means available to achieve those goals. In this case, the young adult's desire for a stereo (a societal goal) and his lack of means to obtain it legally leads to deviant behavior (stealing).

An Unemployed Young Adult Wants a Stereo,but He Doesn't Have