opportunity structure
opportunity structureDeveloped by Richard A. Cloward and Lloyd B. Ohlin in their book Delinquency and Opportunity (1960), this concept attempts to link the Mertonian theory of anomie to the Chicago School tradition of cultural transmission and differential association, in order to produce a general theory of delinquent subcultures linked to differential opportunities for crime. When pathways to success are blocked (for example through failed schooling), other opportunity structures may be found and these can lead to diverse patterns of deviance. They identified three major delinquent opportunity structures: criminal, retreatist, and conflict. Their argument was influential in establishing new careers programmes in North America during the 1960s. See also subculture.
[The entire page is 138 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Oxford University Press Titles
