Subcultural Theory

Question 1

What does Merton suggest?

Answer 1

Deviance is a collective, not individual response - it is reactive due to strain

Question 2

What does Cohen say?

Answer 2

Develops Merton’s theory of reactive subculture - deviancy is collective. The strain of the lower class creates status frustration (due to low educational achievement), subculture is formed allowing an alternative opportunity structure for status

Question 3

Which theorist talks about status frustration and the need for an alternative opportunity structure creating crime?

Answer 3

Cohen

Question 4

What do Cloward and Ohlin suggest?

Answer 4

There are illegitimate opportunity structures, strain creates pressure to deviate. 3 subculture types - criminal, conflict, retreatist

Question 5

Miller

Answer 5

FEASTT creates crime for w/c boys

Question 6

Matza

Answer 6

Disputes subculture - delinquency is created by drift, there is no commitment to crime and we ALL share subterranean values, use of techniques of neutralisation shows how people who commit crime are the same as everone else

Question 7

Marshall

Answer 7

Identifies 3 types of deviant subculture - peers, gangs, organised criminal groups