Ella-ppt-CrimC-2.pptxs. Categorizing the Sociological Theories of Crime Causation

Small Presentation of Criminology

1. Categorizing the Sociological Theories of Crime Causation Lesson 9: Differential Opportunity Theory

2. Learning Outcomes   At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:   discuss the concept of the differential opportunity theory and relate the concept of the theory to crime causation.  

3. Differential Opportunity Theory is the output of the classic work of Richard A. Cloward ( 1926- 2001) and Lloyd E. Ohlin's (1918-2008)“Delinquency and Opportunity”. This theory is a combination of strain and disorganization principles into a portrayal of a gang – sustaining criminal subculture. Richard A. Cloward Lloyd E. Ohlin's

4. The main concept of this theory states that people in all strata of society share the same success goal but those in the lower – class have limited means achieving them. People who perceive themselves as failures with conventional society will seek alternative or innovative ways to gain success, such as joining drug syndicate and any other forms of illegal activities. Because of the different opportunity , kids are also likely to join one of three types of gangs:

5. Criminal Gangs : Exist in stable lower- class areas in which close connections , young adult , and offenders create an environment for successful criminal enterprise such as joining gang. Conflict Gang: Thrive in highly disorganized areas marked by temporary residents and physical deterioration. Members of the conflict gang are tough adolescents who fight with weapons to win respect from rivals and engage in destructive assaults on people and property. They are willing to fight to protect their own and their gang’s integrity and honor. Retreatist Gang : Retreatist are double failures because they are unable to gain success through legitimate means and unwilling to do so through illegal ones. They have tried crime or violence but are either too weak or scared to be accepted in criminal or violent gangs.

6. Ohlin and Cloward agreed with Cohen (previous lesson) and found out that independent delinquent subculture exist within society. Youth gangs are important part of the delinquent subculture. Speaking of subculture, this would refers to group that are being formed with the values and norms that would clash or in conflict with the dominant culture (general society). Although Cloward and Ohlin believed that not all illegal acts are committed to gang youth; they are the source of the most serious, sustained, and costly criminal behaviors (Siegel, 2004)