Miller suggests that working classes don't want to achieve the goals of the middle and upper classes and that they also have their own culture and traditions.
Miller‘s Focal Concerns
autonomy - maintain freedom by acting out
excitement - are on the lookout for fun
fate - have a fatalistic attitude, believe they have no control over their lives
smartness - how easily they ‘get girls’
toughness-call themselves ‘the Boys'
trouble - don't look for fights but will engage when insulted
Miller claims the reason for crime in inner city areas is due to the socialisation of masculinity among this subculture; a young man without the opportunities to improve his social status will be judged based on how tough he is. The boring and mundane lifestyle will cause him to seek out the thrill of deviant behaviour and his violence and law-breaking behaviour will attract higher status from his peers. Repetitive jobs wouldn't be endured without the culture: it provides methods to deal with these jobs and provides an excitement.
