NCJ Number
147684
Journal
Gang Journal Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: (1993) Pages: 51-54
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Following a review of Cloward's and Ohlin's opportunity theory of delinquency as presented in "Delinquency and Opportunity" (1960), this article reports on an interview with Cloward in which he assesses the status and future direction of delinquency theory and research.
Abstract
Cloward and Ohlin argue that delinquent subcultures (gangs) differ in their composition and activity, much like legitimate groups differ. This difference, they reason, is due to the location (neighborhood) where the subculture develops. Within each subculture, groups develop in accordance with the structure of opportunity for meeting individual and social needs. In this interview with Cloward, he indicates there have been no new ideas in delinquency theory for a long time. Each "major" theory has ascended from time to time with no perspective remaining dominant. He suggests that to revive or revitalize debate, criminologists should spend less time debating traditional theories about why kids become delinquent and more time exploring the variety of ways in which delinquency manifests itself. This includes research on how gangs differ and why they are different. 2 references