Strain and Subcultural theories

Sub cultural theories share the common beliefs that those that commit crimes usually share different values from the majority (law obiding peeps.. However they dont believe in the complete opposite.
They have 'amended' certain values to justify their criminal behavior.
strain is used as a term refer to the explanations of criminal behavior which argues that crim behavior is the result of people being placed in a position where they are unable to conform to the values& beliefs of society.
Critisisms of Merton: Assumes that there is a value consensus. His theory is also accused of being too determenistic as it doesnt say why people who experience anomie become criminals or deviant.
The illegitimate opportunity structure- cloward and ohlin
Argued that merton had only explained devience in terms of legitimate opportunity structutre but failed to consider the illigitmate opportunity structure.
By Cloward and Ohlin examining access to and opportunity for entry into illigitimate opportunity provided an explanation for differnt forms of deviance
they explained working class delinquency the same as merton; that there is greater pressure on members of the WC to become deviant as they are less likey to succeed by legit means.
They discovered 3 reasons for this:
Criminal subcult: Theres a thriving local criminal subcult which young offenders can work their way up the ladder
Conflict subculture: Ther isnt a local criminal subculture to provide a career opportunity…

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