Perceived Social Inequality and Economic Pressure as Predictors of Deviant Behavior: The Mediating Role of Social Strain and the Moderating Role of Social Support

Abstract

This is research on how perceived social inequality and economic pressures influence deviant behavior among fresh graduates in Hyderabad and Jamshoro in Pakistan in public and private universities. The study is based on the Strain Theory (Merton, 1938) and the mediation role of social strain and the moderation of social support. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data (219 respondents) which was analyzed with the help of PLS-SEM in SmartPLS 4. Findings have shown that perceived social inequality and economic pressure have a significant direct and indirect prediction of deviant behavior via social strain. It was also observed that social support moderated the effects of strain on deviant behavior which showed its protective value. The results give both theoretical and practical ideas to the education institutions and policymakers to prevent maladaptive behaviors through structural stressors reduction and an enhanced social support network. This work is added to the sociological insight on deviance within transitional socio-economic strains amongst graduates.