Question

When Tommy turned 16 he dropped out of school. He attempted to find a job but employers would not hire him because he did not have a high school diploma. According to the __________ theory, Tommy's legitimate opportunities are limited and thus it only makes sense that he join a gang and pursue a criminal career.

Answer 1

Differential opportunity

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the Differential opportunity theory, lower class youths or low socioeconomic class youths or school drop outs whose legitimate opportunities are limited and short because of poverty or unemployment join criminal gangs and take up criminal career as a second chance to achieve success and wealth.

Thus Tommy, a school drop out and unemployed, is legitimated to pursue a criminal career according to the Differential opportunity theory.

Hence the answer is "Differential opportunity theory".