The Formation of Subcultures

These flashcards cover key definitions and concepts from the lecture on subcultures and delinquency, focusing on various theories and types of gangs.

Subculture

A subdivision within the dominant culture that has its own norms, beliefs, and values.

Social Structure

The organized pattern of social relationships and social institutions that together comprise society.

Status Frustration

The feeling of disappointment when individuals or groups do not achieve the social acceptable standards set by society.

Delinquent Boys

Boys who band together to form a subculture where they can define status in ways that seem attainable to them.

Reaction Formation

A psychological mechanism that relieves anxiety by rejecting what one wants but cannot obtain.

Differential Opportunity Theory

A theory that suggests that access to both legitimate and illegitimate means of achieving success is unequally distributed among different social classes.

Criminal Gangs

Gangs that emerge in areas where conventional and illegitimate values and behaviors are closely integrated.

Conflict Gangs

Gangs that arise in unstable environments where the goal is to gain reputation through toughness and violence.

Retreatist Gangs

Gangs composed of members who have failed to succeed in both the legitimate and illegitimate worlds, often engaging in drug use and hedonistic behaviors.

Focal Concerns

Values that lower-class males pay persistent attention to, including trouble, toughness, smartness, excitement, luck, and autonomy.