Perceived Blocked Opportunity as an Explanation of Delinquency among Lower-Class Black Males: A Research Note

Abstract

Based upon the work of Cloward and Ohlin (1960), it was posited that the relationship between perceived occupational opportunity and delinquency would be rather strong for lower-class blacks, somewhat less for lower-class whites, and small to insignificant for higher-status whites and blacks. A national sample of 2,500 males was used to test these predictions. The hypotheses were supported with the exception of the prediction concerning lower-class whites. Analysis showed a moderate relationship between perceived occupational opportunities and delinquency for lower-class blacks but not for any of the other groups, including lower-class whites.