Subcultural Functionalism Flashcards
When + why did subcultural functionalist develop?
1950/60s
Response to criticisms of traditional functionalism approach
Who’s work do subcultural theories build upon?
Merton’s (strain)
BUT focus in positions of groups in social structure rather than just on individuals
Why subcultural theories believe people generally commit crime?
Share different values from the mass of law-abiding S
BUT they don’t live in complete opposition to mainstream values
Amended certain values to justify criminal beh
= SUBCULTURE
What do subcultural theories aim to explain?
How certain social groups adapt to the strain they face
Focus most on wc juvenile delinquents
(; represent largest group in deviants + criminals)
What do subcultural theorist assume about OCS?
That they = correct
Take them at FACE VALUE
What 3 other theories have subcultural elements to them?
- Labelling theory
- Left realism
- New Right
When did A.K Cohen write?
1955
What were AK Cohen’s major criticisms of Merton’s work?
- c+d = collective response NOT just individual
2. Didn’t explain non-utilitarian crimes e.g. vandalism
Why do wc boys commit c+d ahcoirng to AK Cohen?
Lower wc boys want success but can’t achieve; cultural deprivation
Lead to Ed. failure
What do wc boys suffer from
AK Cohen
Status frustration
Turn to delinquency, get status from peers
IOT deal with S.frustration, adopt alternative set n+v
DEVIANT SUBCULTURE - reverse mainstram culture
e.g. values truancy, vandalism, stealing
What are 4 criticisms of AK Cohen’s work?
- Are wc aware they = ‘inverting’ mc values? or is it just for fun (Lygn, edgework)
- Box: wrong to assume wc boys originally accepted mainstream values
- Only looked at men, ANDROCENTRIC
- Cloward + Ohlin (build upon…)
How does Box criticise AK Cohen’s work?
MARXIST
Wrong to assume wc boys originally accepted mainstream values
Box argues delinquency = more result of feeling shame/guilt/resentment at being called failure by teachers
Leads them to retaliate
What are 2 strengths of AK Cohen’s work?
- Explains crime with no monetary reward - about gaining status not £
- Sutherland offers a supportive theory
- differentail association, majority of teenagers act same was as peers
What supportive theory does Sutherland offer to AK Cohen’s work/
Differentail association
If majority of teenagers act in same way = difficult for rest of group not to be influenced
When did Cloward + Ohlin write?
1960
How do Cloward + Ohlin criticise AK Cohen?
Hoe do C+O try to overcome this?
For not explaining the diversity of repossess
C+O try to explain different types of wc delinquency
How does Cloward + Ohlin develop Merton’s idea?
Accepted means = legitimate opportunity structure
Suggest that those who can’t use this may use an ‘illegitimate opportunity structure’
Reaction to strain depends on social environment grew up in (3)
What are the 3 different response/ types of subculture Cloward + Ohlin ID?
- Criminal subc
- Conflict subc
- Retreatist subc
Describe C+O’s criminal subculture
Develop in stable wc areas, = established pattern of adult crime
Young enter enter into criminal ‘career ladder’ (alternative to legit job)
Young have opportunity to rise in hierarchy
Only ‘useful’ crimes = accepted e.g. theft
Adults exercise social control to ensure this
Describe C+O’s conflict subculture
Emerge in socially disorganised areas
(high population turnover, lack of social cohesion)
Characterised by violence, gang warfare, mugging + other street crimes
Describe C+O’s retreatist subculture
Individual response when can’t engage in other 2 subcultures
Common in lower-class youths
DOUBLE FAILURES, both mainstream S + criminal subcultures
= organised mainly around illegal drug use, they ‘retreat’ to drugs
Can lead to addiction, shoplifting, prostitution etc.
What is a strength of C+O’s work?
Explains wc deviance which is non-utilitarian
What are 2 criticism of C+O’s work?
- Ignore overlap between subcultures
e. g. criminal gang members deal drugs - May be more than 3 types of subculture
When did Miller write?
1962
What does Miller think that AK Cohen was wrong to assumes?
That wc delinquents see mainstream values as superior/ desirable
Miller argues have own ‘focal concerns’ which they see as superior
What does Miller argue? about focal concerns
Each class has it own values
Passed from generation to generation
Each class sees its ‘focal concerns’ as superior
wc male subculture provides way to cope with life
3 unique focal concerns (toughness, smartness, excitement)
What are 3 wc male subculture unique focal concerns?
Miller
- Toughness
- Smartness
- Excitement
wc male subc. engages in activities that match these
Why do wc focal concern develop?
Miller
wc experience of low-skilled/ paid labour
Includes repetitive + boring work
wc male subculture = way to cope with life
What are 2 criticism of Miller’s work?
- = little evidence that focal concerns = restricted to wc males, just as likely to be found in mc rugby team
- All wc men same? Overgeneralisation that all hold same focal concerns
What is a strength of Miller’s work?
Murray (New Right) supports ideas Argues = distinct underclass whose values encourage deviant + criminal beh
Which INTERPRETIVIST could be used to criticise AK Cohen + Miller?
Matza
What general idea did Matza disagree with?
That people commit crime due to factor out of their control
= TOO DETERMINISTIC
+ that delin. = different from mainstream S
Everybody has potential (subterranean values)
Sub values = usually expressed in accepted ways (extreme sports)
BUT can lead to deviant beh
Deviants express them at wrong time/place
What to people use to justify their deviant/criminal behaviour?
(Matza)
‘Techniques of neutralisation’
Led to increased deviance
e.g. ‘They’re so rich they won’t notice it’ (denying crime)
‘We have to protect ourselves’ (appealing too higher loyalties)
Is delinquent permanent?
Matza
No People drift in + out of delinquency Especially young 'delinquency + shift' Many young people don't commit themselves to life of crime (as suggested by subc func)
