sociological theories of criminality Cohen's Sub-cultural theory Flashcards
What does Cohen argue?
This theory is based on Merton’s strains theory, but Cohen argues that crime is not an individual act but it is committed by groups of people.
What is Criminal Sub-culture?
It is a group response to blocked opportunities and failure. It also explains why non-economic crime (not for financial gain) is committed.
What type of gender and social class end up at the bottom of the schools status hierarchy?
Poor boys.
What does lower class boys suffer from?
‘Status frustration’ which makes them feel worthless.
How does ‘status frustration’ continue after leaving school?
They cannot find work or can only get very low paying jobs which leads to even more frustration .This increases the levels of violent crime, property damage and anti-social behaviour.
Who commits crime?
Poor, bottom of society, groups of ethnic minorities, missing with other criminals. They will probably spend time in prison and feel comfortable with that.
What crimes are accounted for?
Economic, violent crimes, robbery, vandalism, keying someone’s car.
What crimes are not explained?
Rape, domestic violence, fraud.
What are strengths of this theory?
It improves on Merton’s theory by including wider ranges of crimes particular violent crimes.
What is a weakness of this theory?
it still only focuses on poor young men as the main offenders and therefore does not include how any other social classes commit crimes.
