Crime : Cloward and Ohlin

• Cloward and Ohlin's Differential Opportunity theory

  They argue some prople don’t have the same opportunities and suggest the legitimate and illegitimate opportunity structure. They argue some working class members have easier access to become criminals since they experience more pressure. Therefore they deviate and use illegitimate means to reach aspired goals.
• 1 = Organised criminal gangs , such as mafias

  2 = Conflict street gangs (with less organisation)

  3 = retreatists such as addicts or homeless

  1 sell to 2 who sell to 3

  3 but from 2 who buy from 1

  
• The Criminal Subculture 1/3

  This subculture tends to develop in areas where there is a well-established pattern of adult crime. This provides an illegitimate opportunity structure. Young men are presented with role models from which they can learn the tricks of the trade. They are given the opportunity to climb the professional criminal hierarchy. The adult criminal population control the younger generation to avoid police and outside interference.
• The Conflict Subculture 2/3

  This subculture tends to develop in areas where an illegitimate opportunity structure is absent. These areas usually have a high turnover of population and a low level of social cohesion - this prevents establish criminal subcultures from occurring. With little opportunity to succeed by either legitimate or illegitimate means, young men become frustrated and angry and turn to gang violence to achieve status and respect.
• The Retreatist Subculture 3/3

  This subculture tends to emerge among those who have failed to succeed either by legitimate means or through conflict or criminal subcultures. These 'double failures' have not been successful by conforming nor have they been accepted by the criminal subculture; examples include drug addicts, petty thieves and prostitutes.