Final answer:
The person who creates a social bridge between entities in criminal subcultures is called a broker or facilitator. This concept is tied to social disorganization and strain theories, which examine how social structures impact deviance and access to legitimate opportunities.
Step-by-step explanation:
In criminal subcultures, the person who creates a social bridge between individuals or groups with complementary resources and interests is known as a 'broker' or 'facilitator'. This concept aligns with the framework of social disorganization theory and strain theory, which explore the relationships between social structures, access to legitimate opportunities, and the propensity for deviant behavior. The broker not only connects these disparate entities but also potentially plays a role in the alignment of their goals and resources to form a cohesive, albeit deviant, network.
Social disorganization theory posits that crime is likely to occur in communities with weak social ties and limited social control, while Robert Merton's strain theory suggests that limited access to legitimate means of achieving goals might lead individuals to engage in deviant behaviors. Thus, brokers or facilitators help navigate the landscape of limited legitimate opportunities by connecting those who can provide resources or opportunities with those who seek them for illicit purposes.