Strain Theory, developed by sociologist Robert K. Merton, suggests that society sets culturally approved goals and means to achieve them. When individuals cannot reach these goals through legitimate means, they may experience strain or pressure, leading to deviant behavior. This theory explains why some people turn to crime or other non-conforming actions as a way to cope with their frustrations. The theory identifies five modes of individual adaptation: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion. Each mode represents a different response to the strain caused by the gap between societal goals and available means. Understanding these adaptations helps explain variations in criminal behavior across different social contexts.