Miller Focal Concerns

Question 1

What did Miller argue about values?

Answer 1

• Miller suggested that working class are socialized into distinct values meaning they are more likely to join in delinquent behaviour

Question 2

What are working class values?

Answer 2

• These working class values are focal concerns
• This includes street smart, wit, independence, fatalism and toughness

Question 3

Does this mean crime is inevitable?

Answer 3

• These values do not make crime definite however does make it more likely

Question 4

What are examples of focal concerns?

Answer 4

Examples of Focal Concerns
- Seeking excitement may lead to non-utilitarian crime
- Toughness might result in fighting
- Fatalism may mean they do not consider consequences

Question 5

Is it a rejection of mainstream values?

Answer 5

• It is an over-conformity to working class subculture rather than a rejection of dominant values which explains delinquency

Question 6

What is an evaluation of all subculture theories?

Answer 6

• They only explain working class crime and not white collar crime
• They ignore that not everyone strives to be financially successful
• They use official statistics which are socially constructed
• Majority of working class crime is given up when they reach adulthood which is ignored and suggest it only occurs in youth