Robert K. Merton's anomie theory argues that:

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Merton's anomie theory suggests that when there is a disconnect between socially accepted goals (such as wealth and success) and the means to achieve those goals (such as access to education and job opportunities), individuals may turn to deviant behavior as a means of achieving those goals. Poverty can limit an individual's access to the means to achieve those societal goals, leading to deviancy. Therefore, Merton's theory argues that poverty can breed deviancy.

Robert K. Merton's Anomie Theory Argues That