Two major theoretical constructs focus on ex-offender re-integration. The structural approach suggests that ex-offenders return to crime because the legitimate opportunity structure is closed, or perceived closed, to them. The subcultural approach suggests that ex-offenders return to crime because the legitimate opportunity structure is closed, or perceived closed, to them. The subcultural approach views lack of ex-offender re-integration as the result of criminal subculture influences. A third theory, differential integration, suggests that re-integration is correlated with the individual's social access, involvement and integration. Job retention success among 874 ex-offenders was examined to evaluate the theories. In addition, 100 members of the group who retained their jobs for over 90 days received more detailed analysis. According to personal characteristics data, those ex-offenders with higher structural ratings were more successful in retaining their jobs than ex-offenders with high subcultural scores. Ex-offenders with conventional social linkages were more effective in retaining their jobs than those who lacked them. No differences were found between the main group and offenders in the subgroup study. Notes, a graph, and three references are included.