SUBCULTURAL Flashcards
F: Typical criminal
Subcultural theorists tend to accept the view of the ‘typical criminal’.
F: Cloward and Ohlin - reaction.
See deviance as a reaction to problems in achieving the values of mainstream culture.
F: Cloward and Ohlin - 3 subcultures
- Criminal - criminal opportunity.
- Conflict - defend territory.
- Retreatist - withdraw from society.
F: Cohen - juvenile delinquency
Uniquely non-Utilitarian and accosted with short-term hedonism.
F: Cohen - status
The achievement of status is paramount.
F: Miller - working class boys.
WC boys have their own ‘focal concerns’. Valuing freedom, excitement, being in trouble, being tough and macho.
F: Criticism
OUTDATED.
F: P. Cohen - contradictions.
The range of deviant, working class subcultures are an expression of contradictions within the parent culture.
Neo-Marxist Subcultural explanation.
CCCS analysis.
Merton: Strain Theory
Deviance is a reaction to problems of achieving the values of mainstream culture
CC: Young
Uses the idea of ‘anomie’ to describe the contradictory feelings which today’s society brings, ‘vertigo of late modernity’.
N-M: Hall and Jefferson.
Produced accounts of ‘spectacular’ youth subcultures including teddy boys, mods, skinheads etc.
PM: Jackson-Jacobs.
‘Gangs make local attachments glorious’. Transforming the continuation of childhood friendships into matters of pride.
Criticism: Willis
‘Learning to Labour’ demonstrates the attitudes of ordinary working class lads. Can be used in criticism of subcultural theorists.
Criticism: Matza
Delinquency and drift challenge subcultural theory, claiming that deviant ‘subterranean values’ are shared by all groups in society, but most people control these deviant desires
