Subcultural theories of deviance seek to explain why certain groups within society engage in deviant behavior. These theories argue that individuals join subcultures because they feel alienated or excluded from mainstream society. These subcultures then develop their own values, norms, and beliefs that may differ from the dominant culture. According to these theories, it is within these subcultures that deviant behavior can be understood and explained.
One prominent subcultural theory is the strain theory, which suggests that individuals engage in deviance as a result of the strain between their societal goals and the means available to achieve them. Another theory is the cultural transmission theory, which proposes that deviant behavior is learned within subcultures through socialization and interaction with others.
Overall, subcultural theories of deviance highlight the importance of understanding the social and cultural contexts in which deviant behavior occurs. By focusing on subcultures, these theories provide insights into the motivations and influences that shape deviant behavior within specific groups.
Key Takeaways
- Youth subcultures play a significant role in shaping deviant behavior.
- Subcultural theories provide insights into the influence of social and cultural factors on delinquent subcultures.
- Understanding the dynamics of subcultures is crucial for grasping the complexities of deviance.
- Peer relationships, cultural values, and identity formation are key elements of subcultural theories of deviance.
- Exploring subcultural theories aids in the development of effective strategies for intervention and prevention.
Introduction to Subcultural Theories
Subcultural theories of deviance aim to explain why certain groups within society develop their own distinct norms, values, and behaviors that deviate from the mainstream. These theories explore how subcultures form, evolve, and function, shedding light on the reasons behind deviant behavior within these groups.
One prominent subcultural theory is the Chicago School's theory of social disorganization. This theory suggests that deviant behavior arises when communities experience a breakdown in social order and cohesion, leading to the emergence of subcultures as a way for individuals to find a sense of belonging and identity.
Another influential theory is the strain theory, developed by Robert Merton. This theory argues that individuals engage in deviant behavior when they cannot achieve socially accepted goals through legitimate means. Subcultures may then emerge as alternative avenues for achieving success and fulfillment.
Cohen's theory of delinquent subcultures focuses on how status frustration leads to the formation of subcultures among lower-class youth. These subcultures develop their own values and norms, often in opposition to mainstream society, as a means of attaining status and respect within their own social groups.
The subcultural theories of deviance emphasize the significance of social factors in shaping individual behavior. They highlight the role of subcultures in providing a sense of identity, belonging, and social support for individuals who may feel marginalized or excluded from mainstream society.
By understanding subcultural theories, we gain insights into the complexities of deviant behavior and the social contexts in which it occurs. These theories help us comprehend the motivations behind individuals' participation in subcultures and offer a framework for addressing deviant behavior through targeted interventions and social policies.
To summarize, subcultural theories of deviance explore the formation and influence of subcultures in explaining deviant behavior. These theories consider social disorganization, strain, and status frustration as key factors in the development of subcultures. Understanding these theories helps us better understand the dynamics of deviance and inform strategies for addressing it in society.
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Albert Cohen: Deviant Subcultures emerge because of Status Frustration
Deviant subcultures, as proposed by Albert Cohen in his theory of deviance, emerge as a result of status frustration experienced by individuals within society. Cohen argues that individuals who are unable to achieve mainstream success and recognition often experience frustration and feelings of inadequacy. In order to cope with this frustration, they form or join subcultures that offer an alternative set of values and norms.
Status frustration refers to the inability to achieve the goals set by mainstream society, particularly in terms of educational and occupational success. This frustration is often felt by individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who face limited opportunities for upward mobility. These individuals may feel marginalized and excluded from the dominant culture, leading them to seek alternative avenues for social recognition and status.
According to Cohen, deviant subcultures provide a sense of belonging and identity for those who have been unable to attain mainstream success. These subcultures often have their own distinct values, norms, and behaviors that challenge the dominant culture. By embracing deviant behavior, individuals within these subcultures can gain a sense of status and respect within their own social group.
Cohen's theory suggests that deviant subcultures are not simply a result of individual choice or pathology, but rather a response to structural inequalities and societal pressures. It highlights the role of socialization and peer influence in shaping deviant behavior. Furthermore, Cohen's theory emphasizes the importance of understanding the social context and societal factors that contribute to the emergence of deviant subcultures.
To illustrate Cohen's theory, it is useful to examine examples of deviant subcultures that have emerged due to status frustration. One such example is the punk subculture, which emerged in the 1970s as a response to economic recession and widespread youth unemployment. Punk subculture rejected mainstream societal values and norms, instead embracing anarchy, rebellion, and anti-establishment ideologies.
Albert cohen's theory of deviant subcultures suggests that status frustration experienced by individuals within society can lead to the formation of alternative subcultures. these subcultures provide a sense of belonging and status for individuals who have been unable to achieve mainstream success. by understanding the underlying causes of deviant behavior, we can gain insight into the social and structural factors that contribute to the emergence of deviant subcultures.
- -References:
- Cohen, A. K. (1955). Delinquent boys: The culture of the gang. Free Press.
- Pearson, G. (1983). Hooligan: A history of respectable fears. Macmillan International Higher Education.
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Cloward and Ohlin’s Illegitimate Opportunity Structures
Cloward and Ohlin's subcultural theory of deviance focuses on how individuals, particularly young people, become involved in criminal activities. According to their theory, individuals are influenced by illegitimate opportunity structures that are available within their communities. These structures provide alternative pathways to success or achievement when legitimate opportunities are limited or unavailable.
Criminal subcultures are one type of subculture identified by Cloward and Ohlin. These subcultures emerge in areas where criminal behavior is prevalent and young people are socialized into a life of crime. They learn criminal techniques, values, and norms through interaction with fellow criminals. The subculture provides them with a sense of identity and belonging.
Conflict subcultures, on the other hand, develop in areas with little social cohesion. In these communities, individuals are exposed to high levels of violence and aggression. The lack of societal control leads to the formation of subcultures where individuals engage in violent and aggressive behavior as a means of survival. They may form gangs or engage in other forms of organized crime.
Retreatist subcultures consist of individuals who fail to gain access to the criminal and conflict subcultures. These individuals often face personal failures and setbacks, such as substance abuse or mental health issues. As a result, they retreat from societal norms and engage in deviant behavior as a means of escape.
"Illegitimate opportunity structures provide alternative paths for individuals who are unable to achieve success through legitimate means."
Cloward and ohlin's subcultural theory of deviance highlights the role of illegitimate opportunity structures in shaping individuals' involvement in criminal activities. criminal, conflict, and retreatist subcultures all emerge as a result of limited legitimate opportunities and the availability of alternative pathways to success. understanding these subcultures can provide insights into the factors that contribute to deviant behavior in certain communities.
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Walter Miller’s Cultural Deviance Theory
Walter Miller's Cultural Deviance Theory is a subcultural theory of deviance that focuses on the idea that certain subcultures develop their own unique set of values and norms that may differ from mainstream society. These subcultures often arise in disadvantaged communities where individuals face limited opportunities for social and economic mobility.
According to Miller, individuals in these subcultures are socialized into adopting a particular set of focal concerns, which are priorities and values that guide their behavior. These focal concerns include things like toughness, street smarts, and immediate gratification. The theory suggests that individuals in these subcultures may engage in criminal behavior as a means of achieving the goals and values of their subculture.
The focal concerns theory has been criticized for oversimplifying the complexities of deviant behavior and for potentially stigmatizing certain groups of people. Critics argue that the theory fails to account for the structural factors that contribute to deviance, such as poverty and inequality.
Despite these criticisms, the cultural deviance theory provides valuable insights into the socialization processes that occur within subcultures and the ways in which these subcultures may influence individual behavior. By understanding the focal concerns of different subcultures, researchers and policymakers can develop more effective strategies for addressing deviant behavior and promoting social integration.
Walter miller's cultural deviance theory highlights the importance of considering the unique values and norms of subcultures in understanding deviant behavior. while the theory has its limitations, it offers valuable insights into the socialization processes within disadvantaged communities. by taking into account the focal concerns of different subcultures, society can work towards addressing deviance in a more comprehensive and effective manner.
David Matza’s Delinquency and Drift
David Matza's theory of delinquency and drift provides valuable insights into subcultural theories of deviance. According to Matza, individuals who engage in delinquent behavior often exhibit a process of "drift" where they temporarily disconnect from conventional norms and values.
One key aspect of Matza's theory is the idea that delinquents are not completely detached from societal values. Instead, they experience a sense of ambivalence, where they oscillate between conforming to societal norms and engaging in deviant behavior. This concept challenges the traditional view that delinquents completely reject societal values.
Matza also emphasizes that delinquency is not solely influenced by structural factors such as poverty or lack of opportunities. Instead, he highlights the importance of individual agency and free will in the decision to engage in deviant behavior. This perspective counters deterministic theories that solely attribute delinquency to external circumstances.
To support his theory, Matza conducted interviews with juvenile delinquents and found that they often rationalize and justify their actions through techniques of neutralization. These techniques allow delinquents to temporarily suspend their guilt and moral responsibility, enabling them to engage in deviant behavior without feeling entirely disconnected from societal values.
Furthermore, Matza argues that delinquency is not limited to a particular subculture or group. Instead, it is a more widespread phenomenon that occurs across various social contexts. This perspective challenges subcultural theories that focus solely on specific deviant subcultures.
David matza's theory of delinquency and drift introduces important insights into subcultural theories of deviance. by emphasizing the process of drift and the role of individual agency, matza provides a nuanced understanding of why individuals engage in delinquent behavior. this theory encourages us to move beyond simplistic explanations and consider the complex interplay between societal values and individual choices in the realm of deviance.
Table: Techniques of Neutralization
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Denial of responsibility | Offenders claim that their actions were beyond their control |
| Denial of injury | Offenders argue that their actions did not cause significant harm |
| Denial of victim | Offenders assert that their actions did not harm anyone deserving of sympathy |
| Condemnation of the condemners | Offenders shift blame onto those who criticize their behavior |
| Appeal to higher loyalties | Offenders prioritize loyalty to a subculture or group over societal norms |