subcultural theory

Cohen

researched WC boys and how they face strain in the mainstream MC culture of the education system

they are unable to succeed in education which places them at the bottom of the official status hierarchy, not being able to achieve mainstream goals

status frustration

as a result of being unable to achieve through legitimate means the boys suffer status frustration

they turn to others in the same situation and form a delinquent subculture with alternative values, rejecting the goals of society

alternative status hierarchy

the boys form subcultures, based on their shared experiences and create new goals that are achievable to them, which tend to conflict with the MC culture of the school

Cohen claimed this results in an alternative status hierarchy as they boys are competing with each other to see who can be the best delinquent in the school

Cloward and Ohlin

argued not all subcultures respond to their failure in the same way. they suggested that there were 3 different forms of subculture that exist

criminal subcultures

exist mainly in inner-city estates in which a criminal culture is dominant. it is easy for frustrated youths to learn criminal skills and have the opportunity to practice their trade

they have criminal role models to look up to and learn from

conflict subcultures

also emerge in inner-city estates, particularly in areas that suffer from a high social turnover

it is difficult for a criminal culture to develop as different gangs battle with each other for overall control

retreatist subcultures

some youths who want to be criminals don’t always succeed

these individuals become double failures and are unlikely to succeed in professional or violent crime so turn to illegal drug use instead