subcultural theories Flashcards
what do subcultural theorists believe causes crime
- deviance is result of ppl conforming to N+V of social group to which they belong rather than those of main society
- when the subgroup’s N+V are different to mainstream, they are considered deviant
- subcultural theories focus mainly on juvenile delinquency which is non-utilitarian
describe Cohen’s theory of status frustration
- believes young ppl experience strain
- focuses on w/c boys
- extends Merton’s work by writing about status frustration and reaction formation
describe Cohen’s status frustration
- lack of opportunities/ cultural capital
- links to cultural deprivation
- challenge authority as a deviant route to status
- eg Willis learning to labour
describe Cohen’s reaction formation
- the reaction to being disadvantaged
- reject mainstream N+V and replace with own
eg: acceptable to carry knives
what are some overall A03 points of Cohen’s theory of status frustration
- the idea that delinquent subcultures consciously invert society’s N+V is criticised ❌
- makes few links between his theory and gender❌
describe an A03 point of Cohen’s theory of status frustration regarding the idea that subcultures consciously invert society’s N+V
- eg: if someone smashes a bus stop, it is unlikely they have consciously thought that mainstream society consider it unacceptable
- PMs Lyng and Katz argue it is more likely due to boredom and seeking a ‘buzz’
describe an A03 point of Cohen’s theory of status frustration regarding ignoring links with gender
- only focuses on w/c boys
- why do w/c boys particularly struggle to attain school status?
–> Willis addresses this question but Cohen doesn’t - if deviance is based on lack of status, feminists suggest that in 1950s America, girls would have been expected to form deviant subcultures
describe Cloward and Ohlin’s illegitimate Opportunity Structures
- criticise Cohen’s failure to explain the variety of subcultures that emerge from socials structure
- the form of w/c delinquent subgroups depends on access t illegitimate opportunity structures –> EG: access to existing criminal networks who will take on younger ‘apprentice’ criminals
- criminal; conflict; retreatist
describe Cloward and Ohlin’s Criminal subculture
- organised crime (eg mafia)
- career criminals socialise youths into their own criminal career that might lead to material success
describe Cloward and Ohlin’s Conflict subculture
- gangs organised by young people themselves
- often based on claiming territory
- ‘turf wars’
describe Cloward and Ohlin’s Retreatist subculture
- those who don’t have access to legitimate/illegetemate opportunities may drop out altogether
- might do so as a group rather than individually
- eg: drug abusers
what are some overall A03 points of Cloward and Ohlin’s theory
- exaggerates difference between the 3 subcultures ❌
- marxists criticise ❌
describe an A03 point of Cloward and Ohlin’s theory regarding exaggerating differences between the 3 subcultures
- there is overlap between the 3 suggested subcultures
- EG: goods stolen in the retreatist subculture areas to pay for drugs may by disposed of in the more stable criminal areas where there is more market for stolen goods
describe an A03 point of Cloward and Ohlin’s theory regarding Marxist critisism
- emphasis is on delinquent w/c youths
- insufficient focus on the structures of the power in society and the crimes committed by the wealthy
describe Miller’s theory on Focal Concerns
- criticises the idea that subcultures emerge as a reaction to anomie
- believes that w/c youths never accept mainstream N+V in the first place
- offers an alternative cultural view on crime and deviance –> FATTES
