Final answer:
Strain theory suggests equal opportunity for success, but reality is influenced by social inequalities and individual circumstances.
Step-by-step explanation:
Strain theory suggests that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve success. However, the reality is different due to social inequalities and the circumstances under which individuals grow up. Factors such as access to quality education, family support, and economic resources can greatly impact an individual's chances of achieving success.
For example, one person who grows up in a wealthy neighborhood with access to top-tier schools and financial support from their parents may have more opportunities to succeed compared to another person who grows up in a disadvantaged neighborhood with limited educational resources and financial hardships.
These differences in opportunities and advantages contribute to unequal outcomes in society, where individuals with more advantages have a higher likelihood of achieving success compared to those with fewer advantages.