Ch7- Subcultural Theories Flashcards
What is a subculture?
a distinct cultural group within a larger culture that shares a common set of values, norms, beliefs, practices, artifacts, that differentiate it from the dominant culture. Subcultures may form around shared interests, identities, lifestyles or beliefs and may be based on factors such as age gender race ethinicity religion or sexual orientation.
What is Frederick Thrashers view of gangs?
Diffiuse gang- loose leadership+little solidarity; Solidified gang- high degree of loyalty; onventionalised gang - similar to athletics club; Criminal gang- (deprived areas) members are the most likely to become career offenders. Delinquency is normal progression from a childhood search for excitement in a frustrating and limiting environment.
What is William F. Whyte known for? what did he believe?
1943 book Street Corner Society was an ethnografic study of street life and youth gangs in the north end neighborhood of boston. His definition of gangs where where group of young people seeking to create a sense of belonging and solidarity through group membership. Forms of youth self-organization that can provide young people with a sense of identity and belonging to a gorup as well as a gateway to street culture. Many of the gang activities such as bullying and violence were often the result of lack of alternatives for young people in terms of social activities and recreation. Tensions+ Conflicts with other gangs and with local community.
Who is Albert Cohen and what was his subcultural theory?
his most famous contribution to criminology is his subcultural thory, which he developed in his book Delinquent Boys: The Culture of the Gang 1955. According to him delinquent behaviour isnt simply the result of individual deviance but also influenced by the culutre and values of a subculture to which individuals belong. Delinquent behaviour is more prevalent among members of lower-class subcultures who feel marginalized and exlueded from mainstream society. Several, key values of delinquent subcultures (toughness, autonomy and disdain for mainstream values)
Who is Walter Miller and what was his subcultural theory?
He believed that juvenile gangs have developed their own set of values that conflict with those of wider society. These subcultures are characterised by strong sense of group identity, distinctive code of behaviour that is often violent, culture of masculitiny and search of respect status. Juvenile delinquency can be caused by a combination of individual, familial and social factors( the importance of early intervention to prevent juvenile delinquency and promote the well-being of young people)
What are richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin’s thoughts on strain theory?
they build on mertons strain theory (individuals who are unable to achieve their goals through legitimate means may turn to deviant behaviour) Access to legitimate opportunities is not distributed equallly amomng members of society- differential opportunities for deviance
What are richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin’s Differential opportunity theory?
the type of delinquent behaviour a person engages in depends on the availability of legitimate and illegitimate opportunities in their environment.
What are the three types of deviant subcultures?
Criminal subcultures, Conflict subcultures, Retreatist subcultures
What are criminal subcultures ?
Provide youth with access to criminal networks and opportunities for illegal activites, such as drug trafficking
What are conflict subcultures?
characterised by violence and provide youth with opportunities for status and power through gang and involvement
What are retreatist subcultures?
characterised by social withdrawal and drug use
What is the David Matza Neutralization Theory ?
Individuals who engage in deviant behaviour often rationalize their actions by neutralizing thier guilt.
What are the David Matza techniques of neutralization?
five techniques of neutralization that individuals use to rationalize their deviant behaviour, to neutralize their guilt and justify their deviant behaviour.
What are the five techniques of neutralization according to David Matza?
- Denial of Responisbility- offenders deny that they are fully responsible for their deviant behaviour. 2. Denial of Injury- Offenders argue that their behaviour did not harm anyone. 3. Denial of the victim- offenders shift the blame onto the victim. 4. Condemnation of the Condemners offenders criticize those who disapprove of their behaviour. 5. Appeal to higher loyalties - offenders prioritize their loyalty to a group of cause over the norms of society.
What is one example of Denial of Responsibility from David Matza’s Thechniques of Neutralization?
A student who cheats on an exam may blame their actions on a lack of preparation or a difficult exam.
