differential opportunity theory

Differential Opportunity Theory

-builds on strain theory and subcultural Theory 

-based on the premise that individuals have unequal access to both legitimate and illegitimate opportunities 

-this explains why some people who experience strain turn to different types of delinquent or criminal behaviour 

-people engage in deviant or criminal behavior based on the opportunities available to them

-3 types of subcultures form in response to blocked legitimate opportunities 

Criminal subculture

-found in stable, organized working-class neighborhoods with criminal network 

-organized,systematic crime

-goal: financial success through organized illegal activity 

-not available to everyone and requires a certain type of person 

-screened to see if you have what it takes, adult criminal role models (differential association theory)

-recruiting young people so they get off easier 

-violence is used a form of intimidation, has both criminal and conventional connections (connections to politics and police)

Ex: loan shark, drug trafficking, prostitution 

Conflict subculture

-found in disorganized neighborhoods with little structure and high instability 

-neighborhoods with physical signs of disorder, garbage, visible drug dealings in streets, residential instability, poverty, lack of collective efficiency 

-there is not that same type of organization crime like in the criminal subculture, nobodies the leader 

-Goal: status and power through violence 

-unpredictable and expressive crime 

Ex: blood and crips 

Retreatist subculture

-double failures- fail to achieve conventional goals and illegitimate means

-individuals who have failed to succeed in both the legitimate world and the illegitimate world

-goal: to escape from failure 

-focus on drug use and alcohol, some petty crimes, intention to buy drugs