subcultural theory

Question 1

What is a subculture?

Answer 1

A group whose values exist alongside the values of the dominant culture, sometimes accepting mainstream values or rejecting them.

Question 2

Who are the subcultural theorists?

Answer 2

Cohen, Miller, Cloward and Ohlin, Matza

Question 3

Cohen - status frustration

Answer 3

Defined as failures, given no respect so feel frustrated with their status. ( a form of anomie)

Question 4

Cohen - A subcultural solution

Answer 4

Create their deviant solution - a subculture which holds its norms and values which differ from mainstream values. Turn mainstream values upside down. Anti-social and criminal behaviour becomes valued. Can gain success and admiration from their peers.

Question 5

Cohen - Non-utilitarian crime

Answer 5

Engage in vandalism, joy-riding, fighting etc. All of which are about gaining respect and status, rather than money.

Question 6

Cloward and Ohlin (1961)

Answer 6

Deviancy is a result of poor legitimate opportunities for W/C young men. (like Merton)
But people react in different ways depending on the type of illegitimate opportunity structure available to them.
Different neighbourhoods provide different opportunities.

Question 7

3 types of delinquent subcultures

Answer 7

Criminal
Conflict
Retreatist

Question 8

The criminal subculture-

Question 9

The conflict subculture

Question 10

The retreatist subculture