Subcultural Functionalism

Question 1

When + why did subcultural functionalist develop?

Answer 1

1950/60s

Response to criticisms of traditional functionalism approach

Question 2

Who’s work do subcultural theories build upon?

Answer 2

Merton’s (strain)

BUT focus in positions of groups in social structure rather than just on individuals

Question 3

Why subcultural theories believe people generally commit crime?

Answer 3

Share different values from the mass of law-abiding S
BUT they don’t live in complete opposition to mainstream values
Amended certain values to justify criminal beh
= SUBCULTURE

Question 4

What do subcultural theories aim to explain?

Answer 4

How certain social groups adapt to the strain they face
Focus most on wc juvenile delinquents
(; represent largest group in deviants + criminals)

Question 5

What do subcultural theorist assume about OCS?

Answer 5

That they = correct

Take them at FACE VALUE

Question 6

What 3 other theories have subcultural elements to them?

Answer 6

1. Labelling theory
2. Left realism
3. New Right

Question 7

When did A.K Cohen write?

Answer 7

1955

Question 8

What were AK Cohen’s major criticisms of Merton’s work?

Answer 8

1. c+d = collective response NOT just individual

2. Didn’t explain non-utilitarian crimes e.g. vandalism

Question 9

Why do wc boys commit c+d ahcoirng to AK Cohen?

Answer 9

Lower wc boys want success but can’t achieve; cultural deprivation
Lead to Ed. failure

Question 10

What do wc boys suffer from

AK Cohen

Answer 10

Status frustration
Turn to delinquency, get status from peers
IOT deal with S.frustration, adopt alternative set n+v
DEVIANT SUBCULTURE - reverse mainstram culture
e.g. values truancy, vandalism, stealing

Question 11

What are 4 criticisms of AK Cohen’s work?

Answer 11

1. Are wc aware they = ‘inverting’ mc values? or is it just for fun (Lygn, edgework)
2. Box: wrong to assume wc boys originally accepted mainstream values
3. Only looked at men, ANDROCENTRIC
4. Cloward + Ohlin (build upon…)

Question 12

How does Box criticise AK Cohen’s work?

Answer 12

MARXIST
Wrong to assume wc boys originally accepted mainstream values
Box argues delinquency = more result of feeling shame/guilt/resentment at being called failure by teachers
Leads them to retaliate

Question 13

What are 2 strengths of AK Cohen’s work?

Answer 13

1. Explains crime with no monetary reward - about gaining status not £
2. Sutherland offers a supportive theory
   - differentail association, majority of teenagers act same was as peers

Question 14

What supportive theory does Sutherland offer to AK Cohen’s work/

Answer 14

Differentail association

If majority of teenagers act in same way = difficult for rest of group not to be influenced

Question 15

When did Cloward + Ohlin write?

Answer 15

1960

Question 16

How do Cloward + Ohlin criticise AK Cohen?

Hoe do C+O try to overcome this?

Answer 16

For not explaining the diversity of repossess

C+O try to explain different types of wc delinquency

Question 17

How does Cloward + Ohlin develop Merton’s idea?

Answer 17

Accepted means = legitimate opportunity structure
Suggest that those who can’t use this may use an ‘illegitimate opportunity structure’
Reaction to strain depends on social environment grew up in (3)

Question 18

What are the 3 different response/ types of subculture Cloward + Ohlin ID?

Answer 18

1. Criminal subc
2. Conflict subc
3. Retreatist subc

Question 19

Describe C+O’s criminal subculture

Answer 19

Develop in stable wc areas, = established pattern of adult crime
Young enter enter into criminal ‘career ladder’ (alternative to legit job)
Young have opportunity to rise in hierarchy
Only ‘useful’ crimes = accepted e.g. theft
Adults exercise social control to ensure this

Question 20

Describe C+O’s conflict subculture

Answer 20

Emerge in socially disorganised areas
(high population turnover, lack of social cohesion)
Characterised by violence, gang warfare, mugging + other street crimes

Question 21

Describe C+O’s retreatist subculture

Answer 21

Individual response when can’t engage in other 2 subcultures
Common in lower-class youths
DOUBLE FAILURES, both mainstream S + criminal subcultures
= organised mainly around illegal drug use, they ‘retreat’ to drugs
Can lead to addiction, shoplifting, prostitution etc.

Question 22

What is a strength of C+O’s work?

Answer 22

Explains wc deviance which is non-utilitarian

Question 23

What are 2 criticism of C+O’s work?

Answer 23

1. Ignore overlap between subcultures
   e. g. criminal gang members deal drugs
2. May be more than 3 types of subculture

Question 24

When did Miller write?

Answer 24

1962

Question 25

What does Miller think that AK Cohen was wrong to assumes?

Answer 25

That wc delinquents see mainstream values as superior/ desirable Miller argues have own 'focal concerns' which they see as superior

Question 26

What does Miller argue? about focal concerns

Answer 26

Each class has it own values Passed from generation to generation Each class sees its 'focal concerns' as superior wc male subculture provides way to cope with life 3 unique focal concerns (toughness, smartness, excitement)

Question 27

What are 3 wc male subculture unique focal concerns? | Miller

Answer 27

1. Toughness 2. Smartness 3. Excitement wc male subc. engages in activities that match these

Question 28

Why do wc focal concern develop? | Miller

Answer 28

wc experience of low-skilled/ paid labour Includes repetitive + boring work wc male subculture = way to cope with life

Question 29

What are 2 criticism of Miller's work?

Answer 29

1. = little evidence that focal concerns = restricted to wc males, just as likely to be found in mc rugby team 2. All wc men same? Overgeneralisation that all hold same focal concerns

Question 30

What is a strength of Miller's work?

Answer 30

``` Murray (New Right) supports ideas Argues = distinct underclass whose values encourage deviant + criminal beh ```

Question 31

Which INTERPRETIVIST could be used to criticise AK Cohen + Miller?

Answer 31

Matza

Question 32

What general idea did Matza disagree with?

Answer 32

That people commit crime due to factor out of their control = TOO DETERMINISTIC + that delin. = different from mainstream S Everybody has potential (subterranean values) Sub values = usually expressed in accepted ways (extreme sports) BUT can lead to deviant beh Deviants express them at wrong time/place

Question 33

What to people use to justify their deviant/criminal behaviour? (Matza)

Answer 33

'Techniques of neutralisation' Led to increased deviance e.g. 'They're so rich they won't notice it' (denying crime) 'We have to protect ourselves' (appealing too higher loyalties)

Question 34

Is delinquent permanent? | Matza

Answer 34

``` No People drift in + out of delinquency Especially young 'delinquency + shift' Many young people don't commit themselves to life of crime (as suggested by subc func) ```