Focal Concerns (Miller)

What are focal concerns?

the values that working class boys are socialised into meaning that they are more likely to engage in delinquent or deviant behaviour

What are the 6 focal concerns?

• excitement

• toughness

• smartness

• trouble

• autonomy

• fate

What is ‘excitement’?

seeking out excitement, particularly when not at work

What is ‘toughness’?

wishing to prove that they are “tough” or “hard”

What is ‘smartness’?

using wit or smart remarks

What is ‘trouble’?

finding themselves in trouble, linked to excitement or toughness

What is ‘autonomy’?

wishing to be independent and not reliant on others

What is ‘fate’?

believing that their future is already decided and what they do will not influence it

What are some criticisms of focal concerns?

• does not consider gender

• focal concerns may be masculine values rather than just working class ones

• many working class girls also have these “concerns”