There is no reliable evidence to support anomie-strain theory's claim that people of the lower classes are more likely than those of other classes to engage in deviant behavior.

Anomie-strain theory suggests that people who are unable to attain their goals through legitimate means may turn to deviant behavior as a way to achieve success. It does not specifically target individuals from lower classes as more likely to engage in deviant behavior. However, research has found that individuals from lower classes may face more strain due to their limited access to resources, which in turn may increase their likelihood of engaging in deviant behavior. Therefore, while the theory does not directly claim that lower-class individuals are more likely to engage in deviant behavior, empirical evidence suggests that it may be a factor that contributes to higher rates of deviance among people from lower classes.