Illegitimate Opportunity Structure (Cloward & Ohlin)

Subcultural theories of Crime and Deviance

What are the key aspects of Cloward & Ohlin’s illegitimate opportunity structure theory?

• there is a lack of legitimate opportunity structures

• explains why some subcultures are are centred on vandalism and violence and why others are centred on utilitarian (financially motivated) crimes

• it is not just a lack of access to legitimate opportunity structures that influences subcultures, but also access to illegitimate opportunity structures

According to Cloward & Ohlin, what are the 3 types of subculture?

• criminal

• conflict

• retreatist

What are the characteristics of criminal subcultures?

• a thriving local criminal subculture

• successful role models

• young people see examples of individuals from the same backgrounds at them who become successful in criminal careers

• individuals are often recruited young

• opportunities to take criminal careers further

What are the characteristics of conflict subcultures?

• no local criminal subculture

• territorial gangs recruiting young people in the neighbourhood

• engaging in violence against one another as violence is a means of achieving respect or status for young people

• respect may be a substitute for qualifications or a well-paid job

What are the characteristics of retreatist subcultures?

• individuals have no opportunity or ability to engage in either of the other two subcultures

• individuals are “double failures”

• a retreat into alcohol or drugs

• spending time with others who have dropped out of society in a similar way