How do subcultural theories explain crime among lower classes?

Subcultural theories, particularly those developed by sociologists such as Albert Cohen and Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin, propose that crime among lower classes is best understood through the lens of socialization into certain values that exist within specific subcultures. These theories suggest that individuals in lower-income neighborhoods often face barriers to achieving conventional societal goals, such as wealth or social status, which leads to feelings of frustration and alienation.

In response to the inability to achieve success through legitimate means, individuals may turn to alternative values that are celebrated within their subculture. This results in the adoption of behaviors and norms that prioritize criminal activity as a viable means of obtaining success or recognition. Thus, the socialization process within these subcultures can lead to the internalization of criminal values, making crime a socially acceptable response to their circumstances.

This explanation aligns with the reasoning behind option B, emphasizing how lower-class individuals may engage in crime as a learned behavior stemming from their environment rather than an innate propensity towards criminality. Other choices, while relevant to understanding crime, do not capture the essence of how specific socialization processes within subcultures lead to the prevalence of criminal activity among the lower classes.