In order to understand any phenomenon, the underlying causes must first be discovered to display all the possible reasons for such an event. It is using this hypothesis that the following measurement will be introduced, relying specifically on Robert Merton's theory of deformations. Strain theory claims that a (lower class) individual is drawn into delinquent behavior and gang membership when he or she lacks the legitimate means to acquire material goods characteristic of the middle class and chooses therefore illegitimate means to do so. Merton points out that tensions arise when there is a barrier between cultural goals and the means to achieve them. Other contributors to strain theory were Albert Cohen, Richard Cloward, and Lloyd Ohlin. These theorists pointed out that individuals are socialized to have high expectations, but are not provided with conventional educational and professional opportunities to meet these expectations. Therefore, unconventional ways of obtaining basic necessities may seem more effective and manifest in the form of...