Differential Opportunity and Crime PDF

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Summary

Cloward and Ohlin opportunity thoery
and overview of the subcultures of the theory ...

Description

Differential Opportunity and Crime Cloward and Ohlin (Delinquency and Opportunity: A Theory of Delinquent Gangs – 1960) Opportunity Theory -

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Used Anomie Theory + Status frustration theory. o Proposed: Delinquency and crime were possible responses to the strain experienced by people when their available legitimate means to achieve success are blocked People are led to believe their ability will match their qualification thus their occupation/success. o Owing to lack of opportunities – ability does not always translate.  “the angry failures” 

3 Major categories of Delinquent Subcultures 1. The Criminal Subculture - primarily focus of economic success - provides socialisation and mentorship. o Results in cycle of learning behaviour.  Burglary, theft, and extortion used to make money. 2. The Conflict Subculture - Violence is the main activity. o Members gain status through force. o Reputation for toughness gains respect and fear - relationship with authorities is bad. - relationship with the adult work is weak. o Members find adult role models who offer opportunities for success.

3. The Retreatist Subculture - Members withdraw from society. - Consumption of drugs is the basic activity. o “double failures” o Escape from reality. - Create new order of goals and achievement. - Strive for status within the group. o Rejects value system of society....