What does the concept of 'Organized Crime' imply in Cloward and Ohlin's findings?

The concept of 'Organized Crime' as discussed in Cloward and Ohlin's findings emphasizes the idea that criminal activities are not random or chaotic but instead follow a structured path. This approach highlights that individuals who engage in organized crime often do so within a systematic framework that enables them to navigate the criminal world effectively.

Cloward and Ohlin propose that the opportunities for crime are socially structured and that individual pathways into criminal careers can be categorized based on various factors, including social context and available resources. Organized crime typically involves collaboration among individuals and groups working towards specific goals, often in a hierarchical manner, which aligns with the idea of a structured career path in criminality.

This understanding of organized crime contrasts with the notion that criminal activities are unsophisticated or lack structure, as well as the idea that crime is purely based on individual actions without any systemic influence. Instead, Cloward and Ohlin's work stresses the structural aspects of crime and the opportunities available within the criminal environment, leading to more organized and strategic criminal endeavors.