Final answer:
Robert Merton's strain theory posits that social deviance arises when there is a gap between socially approved goals and the means to achieve them, leading individuals toward deviant behavior like embezzlement when legitimate means are not available.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Robert Merton's strain theory, a social deviant is someone who does not have access to a socially acceptable way to reach certain socially approved goals. This discrepancy between goals and means plays a crucial part in determining whether a person conforms or deviates. For instance, people are encouraged to achieve the "American Dream" of financial success, but not everyone has the same opportunities to reach this goal due to factors like unequal schooling or economic disadvantages. If conventional means are unavailable, this condition may lead to innovation, one of the responses to strain Merton described, where an individual may turn to deviant behavior such as embezzlement to achieve their goals.
Furthermore, social disorganization theory and conflict theory also contribute to the understanding of social deviance by emphasizing the role of social and economic factors in one's likelihood to deviate. For instance, individuals from impoverished neighborhoods with weak social ties are seen as more likely to engage in deviant or criminal behaviors due to the lack of social control and supportive community structures.