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Questions and Answers
What is Cloward and Ohlin's Theory of Differential Opportunity primarily about?
What are the three different kinds of gangs mentioned in the Theory of Differential Opportunity?
Criminal, Conflict, and Retreatist Gangs
Criminal gangs form in neighborhoods with a weak structure of adult criminal behavior.
False
What is the primary focus of conflict gangs?
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Retreatist gangs are formed by individuals who could not achieve success in legitimate society OR in criminal or conflict gangs and are referred to as ______.
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There is strong research support for the Theory of Differential Opportunity.
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What is the role of adult criminals in the formation of criminal gangs?
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Study Notes
Theory of Differential Opportunity
- Proposed by Cloward and Ohlin, focusing on unequal chances to achieve the American Dream.
- Lower class youth experience frustration when blocked from economic success, leading to strain.
- Strained individuals may turn to gangs, which arise from differing legal and illegal opportunities.
Criminal Gangs
- Arise in lower-class neighborhoods with established adult criminal networks.
- Youth receive mentorship from adult criminals, aligning with Social Learning Theory.
Conflict Gangs
- Emerge in unstable neighborhoods lacking organization and adult criminal involvement.
- Youth gangs are often disorganized and focus primarily on violence to gain respect.
- The pursuit of respect substitutes for the lack of legitimate or illicit economic opportunities.
Retreatist Gangs
- Comprised of individuals who fail to succeed in both legitimate society and criminal endeavors.
- These "double failures" seek escape from societal pressures through substance abuse.
Research Insights
- Limited research support for the theory; evidence is scant regarding the strain caused by aspiration-expectation gaps in lower-class youth.
- There is insufficient evidence for the distinct existence of the three gang types, as many gangs engage in a variety of criminal activities rather than specializing.
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Description
This quiz explores Cloward and Ohlin's Theory of Differential Opportunity, which explains the socialization of youth regarding the American Dream. It discusses the barriers faced by lower-class individuals and how these obstacles lead to frustration and involvement in gangs. Test your understanding of this sociological theory and its implications.
