Perceptions Regarding Value Orientation and Legitimate Opportunity: Delinquents and Non-Delinquents

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Abstract
Using the delinquency subculture theories of Cohen and Cloward and Ohlin as a basis, a study was conducted of the attitudes and socialization patterns of adolescent boys and girls. Attitude scales measuring value orientation, awareness of limited opportunity, and delinquency proneness were administered to a sample of 1,030 sixth and ninth grade Negro and white public school children and 515 institutionalized delinquents. The findings show significant variation for age, sex, race, and social class subgroups. Secondly, the findings indicate that rejection of middle class values and feelings of limited opportunity are related to a higher level of delinquency proneness and delinquency involvement.

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