Question

Assess the strain theories of Cohen (1955) and Cloward and Ohlin (1960) as explanations of gang delinquency. These theories were developed about 60 years ago. Are they adequate explanations for today’s gang problem? Justify your response.

Answer 1

Some Points to consider :

Cohen contribution to the station theory was an attempt to explain gang behavior. His theory was concentrated around a certain demographic : young working class boys. He said that after failure in traditional society the guys attempt to team up and commit gang violence as a way to subjugate the traditional norms of society and establish their own. Although the theory seems plausible it isn't as relevant for today time as gang violence and behavior has taken on many layers that are motivate by various other subsets like lack of resources and power dynamics.

Cloward and Ohlin stated that gang delinquency takes place when the means for a certain act are made available to the group. For instance for running a forgery racket it would be necessary to have the resources as well as people willing to aid. So there theory is based on the conducive nature of one's environment that aids in the facilitation of crime. This theory wad a valid point then, but as of now, it is know that most of such things are in proliferation and don't require the seeking of resources as much as the motivation to get into them.