Crime - Functionalist Sub-Cultural Theories Flashcards
(28 cards)
What are functionalist subcultural theories?
Theories that explain the emergence of youth subcultures as responses to societal goals and frustrations.
Who developed functionalist subcultural theories?
Cohen
What is a key characteristic of deviant subcultures?
They offer an alternative way of achieving societal goals.
What is status frustration?
The feeling of annoyance experienced by young working class males who cannot achieve societal goals legitimately.
What do young working class males form in response to status frustration?
Deviant subcultures, such as gangs.
How do gang members gain respect within their group?
By achieving the deviant values of the group.
What is an example of a deviant value in a gang?
Climbing the Humber Bridge to gain respect.
What recent crime wave illustrates young working class males committing crimes due to status frustration?
The moped crime wave in London.
Mid 2010s and 2017
How do gangs use mopeds in their criminal activities?
To mount the pavement and snatch phones or bags from pedestrians.
What do gang members build up by committing crimes?
Street capital and reputation.
What is the link between deviant subcultures and education?
Deviant subcultures often begin at school due to working class boys forming anti-school subcultures.
What do working class boys gain status for in anti-school subcultures?
Messing about, answering back, starting fights.
What is a consequence of many working class boys leaving school?
They often leave with few or no qualifications and form deviant subcultures.
Fill in the blank: Deviant subcultures begin at _______.
[school]
According to Cloward and Ohlin, what determines the type of subculture young people join?
Locality - it depends on where they live.
What type of subculture do youths in areas with organized crime typically join?
Criminal subcultures.
What are the three types of deviant subcultures identified?
- Criminal subcultures
- Conflict subcultures
- Retreatist subcultures
What do criminal subcultures provide for young people?
Opportunities to learn how to be successful criminals.
What is a key characteristic of criminal subcultures according to Miller?
They have their own ‘focal concerns’ such as toughness and excitement.
What type of crimes do individuals in criminal subcultures typically commit?
Utilitarian crimes (for money) such as robbery and personal theft.
Where are conflict subcultures typically found?
Inner city, deprived, council estates with high population turnover.
What motivates youths in conflict subcultures to commit crimes?
To gain respect and defend their territory.
What is a ‘scoreboard’ in the context of conflict subcultures?
A system where gang members score points for stabbing rival gang members.
What type of crimes do conflict subcultures typically engage in?
Non-utilitarian crimes (not for money) against rival gangs.
