Subculture of Violence

(Cultural conflict/violence)

Marvin Wolfgang & Franco Ferracuti

turned to subculture theory to explain violent criminal behavior among lower-class young urban males

both argued that in some subcultures, behavior norms are dictated by a value system that demands the use of force or violence (Example: Gang retaliations)

Violence is not used in all situations, but it is frequently an expected response

(fight first vs. communicating)

Violence is not considered to be antisocial but a part of everyday life situations

(Acceptable behavior — use physical force to solve problems, street law)

The subculture of violence theory is supported by the spreading of violent crime in American society

(Across several races, female/male, ages, cultures, sub-cultures, social status’, etc.)

In both the lower and middle classes, there were no major differences in attitude towards violence

However, the lower class lacked the skills to handle problem(s) to settle disputes so they resorted to violence more often.

The best single predictor of committing a violent act was found to be whether the individual had been a victim of a violent crime

*This value system is transmitted from generation to generation

*Street gang mentality = retaliation, revenge, eye for an eye

Each sub-culture has the same values or value system within

Each has their own rules and conduct norms to live by

The values and norms are learned from one generation to the next

Cohen/Cloward/Ohlin: Focus = The start of a sub-culture (how they develop - with strain being the emphasis)

Wolfgang/Ferracuti: Focus = Cultural conflict, (looking at primarily the violence in sub-cultures)