subcultural theory (structural)

What are subcultural theories?

Subcultural theories of deviance explain deviance in terms of the subculture of a particular social group (rather than just individual). Certain groups develop norms and values that are different from those held by other members of society.

What do ST usually focus on?

Why working class people commit crime. They focus on juvenile delinquency, which is often malicious and not linked to material or financial goals (non-utilitarian). They often seek to explain why juvenile delinquency has a collective character.

What is cohens status frustration?

Cohens work updated Mertons position and combined both structural and subcultural theories of deviance. He argues that individuals want status, respect and to feel valued, if this wasn’t achieved it led to status frustration.

What is cultural deprivation?

If you don’t have good knowledge of the outside world, politics, how to speak well then you have cultural deprivation.

What is the circle of status frustration?

Lower working class boys want success but cannot achieve their goals due to cultural deprivation- leads to educational failure and dead end jobs > they suffer status frustration and turn to crime to achieve success > an alternative set of norms and values is adopted- a delinquent subculture is formed which reverses mainstream culture by valuing activities such as stealing, vandalism and truancy.

What do cloward and ohlin believe?

Illegitimate opportunity structure- accept Mertons explanation of deviance in terms of legitimate opportunity structure, but they argue that he failed to consider illegitimate opportunity structure (the opportunity to become successful illegally)

They believe that there is greater pressure on the working classes to deviate because they have less opportunity to succeed by legitimate means. In order to achieve the illegitimate opportunities, w/c will join subcultures and commit crimes to achieve illegitimate success.

What is criminal subculture?

They are characterised by utilitarian crimes such as theft. They develop in stable working classes areas. This provides a learning structure and career path for aspiring young criminals as an alternative to the legitimate job market

What is conflict subculture?

These are usually in socially disorganised areas with a high population turnover and lack of social cohesion. They engage in violence and gang warfare- status is achieved through violent acts

What is retreatist subculture?

Emerge amongst the lowest classes, these are double failures, they have failed to achieve in mainstream society and illegitimate structures, the response is often drug and alcohol abuse, paid for by theft and prostitution.