Cohen’s Theory On Crime Flashcards
1
Q
What are subcultural strain theories?
A
- they see deviance as the product of a delinquent subculture with different values to mainstream society
- they see subcultures as providing an alternative opportunity structure
- they develop their own norms and values
2
Q
How does cohen agree with Merton?
A
- that deviance is largely a lower class phenomenon
- states that it results from the inability of the w/c to achieve the cultural goals through legitimate means
3
Q
Who does cohen focus on? And what does he suggest?
A
He focuses on groups rather than individuals like Merton, he suggests that these blocked opportunities to succeed led young w/c males to form subcultures
- suffer from status frustration
- and construct alternative status hierarchy
4
Q
How do the w/c boys react to this frustration?
A
They turn to subcultures, by committing crime so that they can gain status within their schools
5
Q
A02 for cohens theory?
A
- Paul Willis: the lads study, on which these lads at school didn’t conform to the schools rules
6
Q
Strength for cohen’s theory?
A
- theory helps us understand how strain can lead to different delinquent subcultures
7
Q
Weakness to cohens theory?
A
- miller : believe that they’ve been socialised into trouble, toughness he attached 6 focal points
- matza : claims that most delinquents are not strongly committed to their subculture strain theories
