Explaining Class Differences in crime

Functionalism - 

• The reason crime is committed is due to the inadequate or inappropriate socialisation into the shared values.
• Modern Societies and their complex division of labour, different groups and classes may have their own subcultures. 
• Miller - the lower class has own subculture and shared norms and values. This clashes with the mainstream shared values and norms. 
• toughness and pursuit excitement as a conforming norm - conflict with the law. 

Strain Theory - 

• Deviant behaviour is because they can't achieve legitimately. 
• Merton - lower classes result in deviance due to American Society class structure denies working class the opportunity to achieve the 'money success' that America values highly. (American Dream) 
• Linking with Education due to their lack of educational success - labelling, a to c, educational triage etc. they can't achieve legitimately. So they seek other ways of achieving.  
• Innovation - the use of 'new' deviant means such as 'theft', 'fraud', or other property crime to gain wealth. 
• Explains why working class has a higher utilitarian rate as middle class. 

Subcultural theories - 

• Cohen - working-class youths as culturally deprived…