Merton argued that deviant behavior is generated when a society extols common symbols of success for all while restricting the access to approved means for acquiring such goals.

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Merton's strain theory posits that deviance occurs when there is a disjunction between societal goals (common symbols of success) and the legitimate means available to achieve these goals, leading individuals to adopt deviant methods to fulfill societal expectations.

Merton Argued That Deviant Behavior Is Generated When a Society