Subcultural Theories

Question 1

Albert Cohen

Answer 1

Cohen accepts much of what Merton says.

Working class youths internalize mainstream norms and values through socialization

Working class youths face blocked opportunities

Working class youths suffer status frustration (they cannot achieve in middle class terms)

Some working class youth completely reject mainstream norms and values

Main mainstream norms and values are replaced with delinquent sub cultural norms and values - high value is placed in non financial negativistic delinquent acts such as joy riding

Delinquent subculture provides and alternative means for gaining status and striking back and and unequal society