Subcultural strain theories - Cloward and Ohlin

Cloward and Ohlin (1960)

Build on Merton's theory 

-They agree that the w/c are denied opportunity 

-Deviance is their response to this

BUT

Not everyone repsonds the same way 

-Theres different types of subculture

WHY?

Not only unequal legitimate opportunity structure but also unequal illegitimate one. 

3 Types of Subculture

Criminal Subculture 

-Provides youths in apprenticeship in utilitarian crime. 

-Established in the criminal culture of neighbourhoods

-This way they can associate with adult criminals who act as role models

Conflict Subculture 

-Arise in areas of high population -> high levels of social disorganisation and prevents stable criminal network from developing. 

-Only illegitimate opportunity is within loosely organised gangs

-Lets out young mens frustration to their blocked opportunities.

-Earn status through winning turf (territory).

-Closest to subculture described by Cohen. 

Retreatist Subculture

-Dont succeed in becoming criminal

-Double Failures (fail both legitimate and illegitimately)

-Turn to retreatist subculture based on illegal drugs

Evaluation 

Most crimes are of the w/c

-Ignores crimes of the wealthy

Gives an explanation to different types of deviance and the resulting subculture 

-But can they be clearly defined

Reactive theory 

-But does everyone start with the same goal at the start?

-Miller (1962) argues that lower class have their own values not based on money success 

-Miller = deviance arises from underachievement in own goals, not mainstream 'focal concerns'