According to strain theory, the underlying cause of deviance is that people experience a sense of normlessness. this sense of normlessness is referred to as
a. anomie
b. latent dysfunction
c. mass hysteria
d. retreatism

a. anomie is the correct answer.

Explanation:

According to strain theory, the underlying cause of deviance is that people experience a sense of normlessness. This sense of normlessness is referred to as anomie.

Anomie is a social change and instability that occurs when there is a disintegration of the standards and values.

The theory of anomie to explain the imbalance in cultural purposes and institutionalized means.

Anomie is a condition of normlessness: the absence of social attachment and solidarity that usually brings social change.

Anomie is caused due to a difference and imbalance in a social structure.