Subcultural theories

Question 1

What are subcultural theories ?

Answer 1

• They focus on the influence of peer groups on young people
• Subcultures formed by the working class youths may normalise criminal and deviant behaviour as a response to strain
• All these theories are based off merton

Question 2

What was Cloward and Ohlin’s subcultural theory ?

Answer 2

• unable to achieve legitimate ways of achieving goals (becoming innovators)
• some turn to criminal subcultures (not accessible for all)
• Then they turn to conflict subcultures
• If they can’t do this, they with draw from societies values and become retreatists

Question 3

What is A.Cohen’s subcultural theory ?

Answer 3

• focuses on delinquent subcultures
• Juvenile delinquency is non-utilitarian and short-term hedonistic (instant gratification)
• Working class boys know they can’t get status in school due to feeling inferior to the middle class (status frustration)
• Status in a delinquent subcultures van be gained through fights

Question 4

What is Miller’s study on the subcultural theory ?

Answer 4

• working class boys have there on focal concerns
• e.g freedom, excitement, being in trouble
• conforming to this value system is more important than middle-class value consensus

Question 5

What is P.Cohen’s study on the subcultural feature ?

Answer 5

• radical neo-marxist
• says delinquency is linked to territory and identity
• also an expression of protest against the class situation