Subcultural Theory

Question 1

What does it help explain?

Answer 1

Non-utilitarian crimes such as vandalism and joy riding which strain theory cannot reallt explain

Question 2

Albert Cohen - deviant subcultures

Answer 2

Wc subcultures emerge because they are defined status

• strove to emulate mc values and aspirations, lacked the means to achieve success
• led to status frustration
• delinquent subcultures, breaking school rules

Question 3

Definition of status frustration

Answer 3

Sense of personal failure and inadequacy

Question 4

Deviant subcultures (who?)

Answer 4

Cohen

Question 5

Cloward and Ohlin (3 types of subcultures)

Answer 5

Criminal subcultures
Conflict subcultures
Retreatist

Question 6

3 types of criminal subculture

Answer 6

Cloward and Ohlin

Question 7

Criminal subcultures

Answer 7

Utilitarian crime (theft)

• working class area, established pattern of crime
• provides an alternative to legitimate job market

Question 8

Conflict subculture

Answer 8

Socially disorganised areas

• lack of social cohesion
• violent crime
• express frustration through violent or steeet crime
• possible explanation for gang culture

Question 9

Retreatist subculture

Answer 9

‘Double failures’ failed to succeed both in mainstream society and in crime and gang cultures

Question 10

Paul Willis

Answer 10

Wc formed a subculture in order to ‘have a Laff’

• never aspired for mc values
• rejected middle class aspirations
• counter scholl culture

Question 11

Marxist critique of sub cultural theory

Answer 11

Paul Willis counter school culture