Cohen – Delinquent Boys and Subcultural Theory

How did Merton redefine anomie?

As a mismatch between culturally approved goals (e.g., wealth) and the legitimate means to achieve them.

What is the “strain to anomie”?

The pressure individuals feel when they can’t achieve societal goals through legitimate means.

What are Merton’s five modes of adaptation?

Conformity, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism, Rebellion.

Which mode of adaptation is most associated with criminal behavior?

Innovation—accepting goals but using illegitimate means.

What cultural concept did Merton critique in his theory?

The “American Dream” and its emphasis on material success.

Status frustration

Working-class boys fail in school due to middle-class standards, leading to a loss of status.

Reaction formation

They reject those standards and form delinquent subcultures.

Delinquent subculture

Values are inverted—malice, toughness, non-utilitarian crime (e.g., vandalism, fighting).

Non-utilitarian crime

Not about money, but about gaining peer respect and expressing rejection of mainstream values.

Influences

• Builds on Merton’s strain theory and Sutherland’s differential association.

• Adds a group-level explanation for youth crime.

Criticisms

• Overgeneralizes working-class boys.

• Ignores girls and middle-class delinquency.

• Assumes consensus on middle-class values.