Subcultural theories Flashcards
Introduction
Subcultural theories of crime originated from geographical studies in Chicago during the 1930s, which revealed that certain areas of cities had consistently higher crime rates. These theories suggested that social disorganization in these areas led to criminal behavior among young people.
Functionalism + subcultures?
Functionalists argue that society functions well when people share common norms and values. Merton suggested that crime occurs when individuals are expected to achieve societal goals, like wealth, but lack the legitimate means to do so.
cohen + status frustration?
Cohen (1955) expanded on Merton’s theory of crime, focusing on the cultural aspects of delinquency. He argued that working-class youth experience status frustration, unable to achieve societal goals. In response, they form subcultures that invert mainstream values, valuing deviant behavior like vandalism and joyriding. This provides an alternative way for delinquents to gain status within their peer group.
Sutherland + cressey’s differential association theory?
Sutherland and Cressey’s differential association theory (1942) suggests that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others. Key factors in creating criminal subcultures include frequent, long-term, and intense associations with criminals, as well as the priority given to these associations.
Cloward + Ohlin illegitimate opportunity>
Cloward and Ohlin (1960) expanded on Cohen’s work by recognizing multiple types of subcultures in working-class areas. They argued that the form a subculture takes depends on the level of access young criminals have to older, more experienced criminals and their criminal networks.
Criminal subcultures?
Criminal subcultures emerge when working-class youths have access to adult crime networks, such as burglary. Older criminals mentor younger ones, passing on skills and knowledge. These subcultures often form within specific geographic areas and may take the form of gangs or terrorist groups.
Retreatist subcultures?
Retreatist subcultures emerge when working-class individuals, unable to access adult crime cultures, turn to substance abuse. Miller (1962) argued that working-class youths reject mainstream norms and values, failing to achieve success. He identified “focal concerns” in working-class culture, such as exaggerated masculinity, toughness, excitement, fun, and fatalism, which increase the likelihood of criminal behavior.
Strengths + weaknesses of functional views of subcultural values?
Functionalist views of subcultural values focus mainly on juvenile and group crime, particularly in working-class areas, but fail to explain other forms of crime. These theories are deterministic, ignoring individual choice in criminal behavior, as many working-class youths don’t choose a criminal lifestyle. Interactionists criticize functionalism, emphasizing that deviance is about social response, not just the actions of the individual.
Interactionism + subculture?
David Matza (1957) criticized Cohen’s and functionalist subcultural theories, arguing that delinquency isn’t exciting, and many young people “drift” in and out of criminal actions. He proposed that individuals hold two sets of values: conventional values (shared with others) and subterranean values (such as greed and aggression, which are usually kept in check but occasionally acted upon). Matza suggested that delinquents often justify their actions by denying responsibility, denying the victim’s rights, claiming unfair treatment, or making moral appeals.
Sicourel + labelling theory?
Sikora studied police and social workers in California during the 1970s. He found that police were more likely to arrest individuals who fit the stereotype of delinquents, such as working-class, ethnic minorities with aggressive behaviors and poor backgrounds. In contrast, middle-class delinquents were viewed as “led astray” and offered counseling.
Criticisms of interactional views of subcultural values
The main criticism of interactionist views on subcultural values is that they do not explain the origin of the first criminal act. However, they offer an alternative explanation for why crime is associated with specific geographic areas and social groups.
Marxism + subculture
In the 1970s UK, Marxist sociologists, especially at the Birmingham Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies (BCCS), explored youth subcultures. They argued that the deviance displayed by these subcultures was a rejection of capitalism. Brake (1990) suggested youth cultures expressed their disgust for capitalism. Marxist ideas also influenced new left realism, applying subcultural concepts to the experiences of young men from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Criticism of marxist views + subculture
Critics of Marxist views and subcultures argue there’s little evidence that working-class subcultures have values distinct from mainstream culture. Many, like Hip-Hop, embrace capitalist values, such as monetary success. Additionally, youth subcultures often become commercialized, adopting the fashion without fully embracing the underlying ideas.
The new right and Subcultural theory
The New Right argues that an underclass of benefit-dependent people, particularly young single mothers, leads to inadequate socialization of their sons. This results in young men who avoid work and rely on benefits. Murray (1989) and Saunders (1996) suggest crime solutions include making benefits harder to obtain and imposing harsher punishments on criminals.
Assessments of subcultural theory?
Subcultural theories assume a single dominant culture in society, but postmodernists argue society is fragmented. There’s limited evidence that working-class values conflict with mainstream norms. Matsa critiqued subcultural theories, suggesting people may shift between mainstream and deviant values. These theories also overlook women, particularly why working-class girls, despite similar backgrounds, commit less crime.
