Subcultural strain theories Flashcards
What do subcultural theories generally argue?
Some feel a strain when trying to meet the norms and values of mainstream society and therefore form subcultures in response
Journey of strain to subculture:
People feel a strain between socially accepted goals and means, leading to them feeling marginalised. They then form anomie criminal subcultures
How does Albert Cohen criticise Strain theory?
Merton focuses on utilitarian crime commited for material gain like theft or fraud. But he largely ignores crimes such as assualt and vandalism which have no economic motive
Why are working class boys more likely to join criminal subcultures?
They face anomie in the middle class dominated school system. They suffer from cultural deprivation and lack the skills to achieve
Alternative Status Hierarchy values
Spite, malice, hostility for others outside of it. It inverts the values of mainstream society e.g what society condems, the SC praises
Legitimate opportunity structures
Opportunities to achieve money and status through legitmate means (e.g family, education)
Illegitimate opportunity structures
People who are surrounded by opportunities to achieve money, power and status through criminal behaviour (e.g. drug dealers, gangs)
Who identified the 3 types of subcultures?
Cloward and Ohlin
Outline and explain what a criminal subculture is
Apprenticeship for a career in utilitarian crime.
Arises only in neighbourhoods with a stable criminal culture with established hierarchy
Allows young to associate with adult criminals
Opportunity for employment and role models
Outline and explain conflict subcultures
High levels of social disorganisation, preventing a stable professional criminal network developing
Violence provides a release for young men’s frustrations at blocked opportunities
Outline and explain retreatist subcultures
Double failures, failure in both legitimate and opportunity structures
Based on drug use, smoking, gambling
Criticism of Cloward and Ohlin
South argues that much modern crime (e.g. drug trade) is a mixture of criminal & conflict
Miller’s working class subculture focal concerns
Autonomy, excitement, smartness, trouble, fate, toughness
Matza view on subcultures
Most people involved in crime aren’t necessarily in a gang but they drift around to different groups
