NCJ Number
146420
Journal
Sociology and Social Research Volume: 46 Dated: (January 1962) Pages: 167-175
Date Published
1962
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article critiques the opportunity theory of delinquency based on the soundness of its logical structure, its operational significance, and its congruence with empirical evidence.
Abstract
Opportunity theory holds that disparity between cultural goals and socially structured opportunities for their achievement creates special adjustment problems for juveniles of lower social classes. This makes them susceptible to the use of nonconformist strategies of achievement. An analysis of the logical adequacy of postulates and theorems associated with the theory shows that the theory has considerable deductive potential and is rich in its implication for social control. The theory thus makes a distinctive contribution to sociological literature. The operational significance of a theory means that some of its terms can be related by rule to observable data; its meaning is clear and its claims can be tested by evidence and experience. The author concludes that much work must be done on the formulation of correspondence rules that connect concepts with observational data if the opportunity theory is to be applied to concrete situations. Empirical evidence to support the theory leaves many gaps. These gaps may be filled by refinements of definitions of various delinquent subcultures. The merit of opportunity theory is that it identifies an important and largely neglected factor in the genesis of deviant behavior. 19 footnotes