Sub-Cultural theories of Crime

• What do sociologists mean by 'strain' theories?

  Explanations of criminal behavior due to pressure
• How have 'subcultural and strain' theories contributed to our understanding of crime?

  They explain criminal behavior through social context
• What is a subculture?

  A group sharing common values and behaviors
• What do subcultural theories believe about criminals' values?

  They differ from law-abiding members' values
• What does 'strain' refer to in the context of crime?

  Inability to conform to societal values
• Who is associated with the concept of 'status frustration'?

  Albert Cohen
• What is Cohen's criticism of Merton's theory?

  Deviance is often a group response
• What types of crime does Cohen focus on?

  Utilitarian crime for gain
• What motivates much offending behavior according to Cohen?

  Thrill rather than economic gain
• What leads to 'status frustration' among working-class boys?

  Failure to achieve middle-class aspirations
• How do working-class boys respond to status frustration?

  By creating delinquent subcultures
• What are the three types of subcultures identified by Cloward and Ohlin?

  Criminal, conflict, and retreatist subcultures
• What characterizes a criminal subculture?

  Thriving local criminal role models
• What characterizes a conflict subculture?

  No local criminal subculture, leading to violence
• What characterizes a retreatist subculture?

  Withdrawal into drugs or alcohol
• What is a strength of Cloward and Ohlin's theory?

  Explains different types of working-class crimes
• What is a weakness of Cloward and Ohlin's theory?

  Neglects crimes of the wealthy
• What are Miller's six focal concerns?

  Smartness, trouble, excitement, toughness, autonomy, fate
• How does Miller link focal concerns to delinquency?

  They lead to criminal or deviant behavior
• What is Matza's critique of subcultural theories?

  They suggest deviants lack choice
• What are subterranean values according to Matza?

  Values expressed in specific situations
• How do techniques of neutralization function?

  They justify delinquent actions
• What does Matza argue about delinquency?

  It is casual and intermittent
• What does Hirschi's social bonds theory focus on?

  Why most young people do not commit crimes
• What are the four social bonds identified by Hirschi?

  Commitment, attachment, belief, involvement
• What is a weakness of Hirschi's theory?

  Doesn't explain why some bonds are weaker
• What is a strength of Hirschi's theory?

  Recognizes importance of socialization
• What do functionalist subcultural theories help us understand?

  Working-class crime and status frustration
• What do functionalist subcultural theories fail to recognize?

  The role of power in law creation
• What is the conclusion about functionalist subcultural theories?

  They explain working-class crime but overlook power
• What are the hooks in the study of subcultural theories of crime?

  • Understanding strain theories
  • Evaluating and applying these theories
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Cohen's theory?

  Strengths:

  • Relevant to contemporary gang culture
  • Links crime to social structure

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Ignores female delinquency
  • Focuses only on working-class responses
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Cloward and Ohlin's theory?

  Strengths:

  • Explains different types of working-class crimes
  • Influential on later theories and policies

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Neglects crimes of the wealthy
  • Overpredicts working-class crime rates
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Miller's focal concerns theory?

  Strengths:

  • Links culture to delinquency
  • Identifies values leading to crime

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Lacks evidence for lower-class values
  • Ignores female delinquency
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Matza's delinquency and drift theory?

  Strengths:

  • Supports views of working-class delinquents
  • Recognizes boredom as a factor

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Underpredicts delinquency levels
  • Doesn't explain organized gangs
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Hirschi's social bonds theory?

  Strengths:

  • Highlights importance of socialization
  • Suggests everyone can be a potential criminal

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Doesn't explain why bonds vary
  • Assumes all criminals lack social bonds