Differential Opportunity Theory

Differential Opportunity Theory Differential Opportunity theory focuses on the discrepancy between what lower-class individuals (specifically juveniles) want and what is available to them. It assumes: People in all classes share the same success goals. People who consider themselves to be failures within conventional society will seek alternative ways to succeed. They then join a group of like-minded peers to form a gang that provides them emotional support. These gang members can earn a lot more money selling drugs or engaging in armed robberies than working at menial jobs. Differences occur between ability to achieve acceptable goals by legitimate means (Similar to Strain Theory) but there are also differential opportunities to use illegitimate means to reach those goals. The focus is on what juveniles want and what is available to them to achieve it. The further a person falls down the social ladder, the harder it is to achieve goals – both legally and illegally. Cloward and Ohlin describe two kinds of opportunities: Differences in learning structures – environment that nurtures and sustains pro-social behavior and attitudes Differences in access to performance structures – connection with peers who approve of their behavior Juveniles must learn skills and values and have support from their peers to sustain criminal behavior. The social structure of the community determines access to acquiring and participating in anti-social behavior. They identify three distinct types of delinquent subcultures that fit this need: 1. Criminal – develop in stable neighborhoods with close adolescent connections; youths are recruited into criminal gangs to provide training for successful criminal careers; skills necessary for successful offending are transmitted 2. Conflict – develop in unstable neighborhoods and attract tough adolescents; violence is used to protect turf, integrity, honor 3. Retreatist – double failures who use alcohol or drugs and commit crime to support this addiction; unable to attain success through legitimate or illegal means Access to success is also limited in these gangs so opportunities are unequal in both cultures – conventional and nonconventional. According to Cloward and Ohlin, criminal cultures can be supportive and profitable. This explains why people become involved in a particular type of criminal activity. It combines cultural deviance and social disorganization approaches.