First proposed by Robert K. Merton, the strain theory states that all humans are fundamentally conforming beings and are influenced heavily by the values and attitudes of the society in which they inhabit (Bartol, 2002). When people are unable to conform to the "norms" of their society because of certain factors this causes them to feel stressed and experience feelings of helplessness. If this stress is not quelled, it may be expected to erupt as criminal behavior.

The first factor that must be taken into consideration when applying the strain theory to the Toxteth Riots is the process of selection and retention of strained individuals (Agnew, 1999). For example, a majority of the black population that resided in Liverpool were unemployed and lived in poverty. Therefore, they felt financially strained because they could not afford to move into better housing and living conditions. Hence, the longer they resided in deprived communities, the more strain and unrest they would have been expected to experience.

Another factor is the failure to achieve positively valued goals (Agnew, 1999). The three goals that are most commonly valued in all societies today are wealth, status, and respect. As previously stated, the black community of Liverpool suffered from high unemployment, which would make them unable to reach the goals of wealth and status. The racism and discrimination that they experienced from the white residents of the community would make them unable to achieve the goal of attaining respect. Their failure to reach these goals because of conditions imposed on them by society would leave them with a feeling of helplessness. Since nothing was done to try and improve these conditions this feeling of helplessness escalated into social upheaval in the form of rioting.

Thirdly, we see the loss of positive stimuli (Agnew, 1999). The black community of Liverpool suffered from an overwhelming feeling of helplessness coupled with the indifference of the police and government. In their eyes, there was no sign of any plan by the government to implement positive change and therefore, they felt that it was up to them to gain the government’s attention.

Lastly, one needs to consider the aggregate level of negative affect (Agnew, 1999). Not only did the black community have to deal with high unemployment and discrimination from the white residents of Liverpool, but they also had to contend with oppressive policing. The mistrust and resentment felt towards the local authorities caused high levels of tension between them. It was this tension with the police that grew into anger and frustration and sparked the riots.