Lillian worked as an accountant for a business with annual profits of $1 million. However, her boss paid her a low-level salary that did not meet her family's expenses. Lillian soon realized that she could embezzle money easily and began skimming about $100,000 per year. Through which of the following theories can the reason behind her deviant behaviour be best understood?
A) control theory
B) routine activity theory
C) strain theory
D) monetary theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lillian's behavior can be best understood through the strain theory, which suggests that people may engage in deviant behaviour when they experience strain or pressure due to a gap between their aspirations and their abilities to achieve them. In this case, Lillian's low-level salary compared to the profits of the company created strain, and embezzlement became a way to reduce that strain and attain her desired standard of living.

Lillian Worked as an Accountant for a Business with Annual