Subcultural approaches to crime Flashcards
What does Cohen’s status frustration theory argue?
Cohen (Functionalism) argues w/c boys face blocked success and status frustration. They form an alternative status hierarchy where delinquency gains them respect.
What are the three subcultures in Cloward and Ohlin’s theory?
Cloward and Ohlin identify: 1) Criminal subculture, 2) Conflict subculture, 3) Retreatist subculture—based on unequal access to illegitimate opportunities.
What is Walter Miller’s focal concerns theory?
Miller (Functionalism) claims w/c males have independent values—like excitement, toughness, autonomy—that increase delinquency, not just react to failure.
What does Marxist subcultural theory suggest?
The CCCS argue w/c youth subcultures resist capitalism. Cohen (1972) showed skinheads used style (e.g. Doc Martens) as symbolic rebellion against marginalisation.
What is a criticism of Marxist subcultural theory?
Stephen Box argues it applies only to a small group. Many w/c youths don’t share mainstream values and redirect their frustrations toward teachers or m/c youth.
What is South’s (2014) criticism of Cloward and Ohlin’s theory?
South says subcultures overlap in reality (e.g. drug trade is both conflict and criminal). The theory over-simplifies w/c crime and ignores power structures.
What is a limitation of Miller’s focal concerns theory?
Critics argue Miller’s traits (e.g. toughness, excitement) are found in all classes—not just the lower w/c—so the theory lacks evidence.
What is a postmodernist critique of Marxist subcultural theory?
Cohen admitted the theory was biased. Blackman argues it ignores gender/sexuality; Thornton says youth subcultures are shaped more by media than class.
