Official statistics show that working class are more likely than higher class to offend. Different perspectives offer different explanations for this.
Functionalism see crime as the product of inadequate socialisation into a shared culture. Miller argues that the WC has an independent subculture opposed to mainstream culture and this explains their higher crime rate.
Strain theory argues that the class structure denies WC people the opportunity to achieve by legitimate means, so they are more likely to innovate.
Subcultural theories A.K. Cohen sees working class youths as culturally deprived and unable to achieve in education which leads to frustration. They then form subcultures to gains status from.
Labelling theory reject the view that official statistics are valid, they focus on the role of law enforcement agencies which have the power to label the WC as criminals.