Subcultural Theories of C&D Flashcards
1
Q
Robert Merton (1968)
A
- Looks at why C&D arises in the first place
- Caused by strain (pressure) & anomie (confusion)
- These lead to crime - people motivated to break society’s rules = seems impossible to be successful within their limits
- 5 modes of adaptation/responses to strain & anomie
2
Q
Merton: Conformity
A
- Cultural Goals = Accept
- Insitutionalised Means = Accept
3
Q
Merton: Innovation
A
- Cultural Goals = Accept
- Institutionalised Means = Reject
- eg. Robber barons, white collar crimes, organised crime
4
Q
Merton: Ritualism
A
- Cultural Goals: Reject
- Institutionalised Means = Accept
- eg. Cocaine use in Finance sector
5
Q
Merton: Retreatism
A
- Cultural Goals: Reject
- Institutionalised Means: Reject
- eg. Psychotics, vagrants, drug addicts
6
Q
Merton: Rebellion
A
- Cultural Goals: Replace
- Institutionalised Means: Replace
- eg. Terrorists, cult leaders
7
Q
Subcultural Theories
A
- Aimed to build on Merton’s work
- Focused on position of groups in social structures - not just individuals
- Tend to deal with WC, juvenile delinquency - make up largest group of criminals and deviants
8
Q
Cohen (1970): Status Frustration
A
- WC youth believe in success goals of mainstream - don’t have means = denied status
- Formation of new values/’delinquent’ subculture (eg. stealing replaces work)
- Receive gratification/status through these acts within their subculture
9
Q
Cloward & Ohlin
A
- Argue Cohen’s theory doesn’t allow for diversity of responses found among WC youth specifically
- Suggested 3 types of delinquent subculture
10
Q
Cloward & Ohlin: Criminal Subculture
A
Commit utilitarian crims to get money or status
11
Q
Cloward & Ohlin: Conflict Subculture
A
Commit aggressive crimes targeted at those who are seen to represent their oppression
12
Q
Cloward & Ohlin: Retreatist Subculture
A
Failed in normal society, rejected by other subcultures, become deviants, suffer
