miller

• the working class developed an independent set of norms and values to mainstream society through which they gain status
• focal concerns:

  focal concerns led the working class to deviate as they contrasted with the norms and values of mainstream society
• focal concerns included:

  • ecitement
  • toughness
  • fate
  • smartness
• focal concern - excitement:

  • working class males crave excitement outside of their work life
  • this excitement can be seen through their leisure activities
  • working class males engage in drinking, drug abuse, fighting, etc
  • these activities provided an outlet for their frustration
  • engaging in such acts may lead to antisocial behaviour, clashes with law enforcement, etc
  • in the 21st century, these values aren't limited to males
• focal concern - toughness:

  • working class males see masculine actions as higher status
  • displaying characteristics associated with the masculine identity reinforced masculinity
  • characteristics included: physical altercations, arguing, etc
  • this led to criminal activities, i.e. assault and bodily harm
  • this is reflected in the higher proportion of arrests and convictions amongst working class males for violent crimes
• focal concern - fate:

  • working class males have fatalistic attitudes which led them to believe they had little agency in life
  • they possess pessimistic views - have nothing to lose as they believe their future has already been decided for them
  • evidence from research conducted by willis - learning to labour