Sociology:Outline and assess Structuralist theories of crime and deviance.

All Structuralist theories of offensive activity and departure seem to aim that offensive is socially constructed rather than focuse on the individual. Albert Cohen, trust Structuralist and sub heathen theories drew on Mertons idea of pattern but criticized Mertons ideas of crime being an individual response and believed that he ignored non-utilitarian crimes such(prenominal) as vandalism and joy-riding. Cohen was particularly interested in deviance which was not economically motivated but make patently for the thrill of the act. Cohen believed that some(prenominal) lower-class boys aspired to the determine of middle-class society but lacked the modal value to obtain anysuch success, thus leading to status frustration. Therefore umpteen reject the rules of give birthable norms and behaviour as they great dealnot be victorious inwardly those rules. They turn to a delinquent subculture, where in that respect atomic number 18 alternative norms and values and through c ommitting crime status can be gained. Box, however, argues that Cohens guess only applies to the minority. Most he believes accept mainstream values although spirit resentful of being seen as failures. Cloward and Ohlin were besides greatly influenced by Merton and accepted his explanation of deviance in terms of the legalise oppurtunity structure. However they also explored a parallel, the illegal oppurtunity structure. They realised that within certain subcultures it was possible to make a career step to the fore of crime, which allowed bends to obtain mainstream societies goals. According to Cloward and Ohlin there were common concord possible categories.

Firstly a criminal subculture, where there is oppurtunity to stomach going involved in a thriving terra firma of crime, where there are successful role models who have used crime as a means to succeed, and youngsters who can work their modality up the ladder in the criminal hierarchy. Where there is no topical anesthetic criminal subculture, conflict subculture can emerge. This is when there is no opening to the legitimate... Although a bit short, good job on explaining Sociology: compend and respect Structuralist theories of crime and deviance. Thanks Kevin If you want to get a near essay, order it on our website: OrderCustomPaper.com

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