Question

Who among the following thinkers is NOT associated with the subculture theory:
1. L.R. Goldberg
2. Charles Murray
3. Albert Cohen
4. Cloward and Ohlin
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Hint:

To remember Subculture theorists, think of the CCC—Cohen, Cloward, and Charles Murray. Goldberg is a 'Personality' guy, not a 'Subculture' guy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:

• Subculture theory in criminology suggests that certain groups develop values and norms that are different from (and often in conflict with) the mainstream culture.
• This perspective explains why specific urban gangs or marginalized groups engage in delinquent behavior as a way to achieve status.

Step 1: Evaluate Albert Cohen
Albert Cohen is a central figure in subculture theory. His 1955 work Delinquent Boys explains "status frustration" among lower-class boys who cannot meet middle-class standards and thus form subcultures.
Thus, C is associated with the theory.

Step 2: Evaluate Cloward and Ohlin
Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin developed the "Differential Opportunity Theory." They argued that subcultures (criminal, conflict, or retreatist) depend on the types of illegitimate opportunities available in a neighborhood.
Thus, D is associated with the theory.

Step 3: Evaluate Charles Murray
Charles Murray is a prominent sociologist associated with the "New Right" and the concept of the "Underclass." He argued that a specific subculture of poverty and welfare dependency fosters criminal values among the marginalized.
Thus, B is associated with the theory.

Step 4: Evaluate L.R. Goldberg
Lewis R. Goldberg is a world-renowned personality psychologist. He is famous for developing the "Big Five" factors of personality (OCEAN). He is not a criminological theorist associated with social subculture research.

Step 5: Conclusion
L.R. Goldberg is the outlier in this list of criminologists and sociologists. Thus, option (A) is the correct answer.