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Sociology Crime > Subcultural Functionalism > Flashcards

Subcultural Functionalism Flashcards

1
Q

When + why did subcultural functionalist develop?

A

1950/60s

Response to criticisms of traditional functionalism approach

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2
Q

Who’s work do subcultural theories build upon?

A

Merton’s (strain)

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

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3
Q

Why subcultural theories believe people generally commit crime?

A

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

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4
Q

What do subcultural theories aim to explain?

A

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

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5
Q

What do subcultural theorist assume about OCS?

A

That they = correct

Take them at FACE VALUE

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6
Q

What 3 other theories have subcultural elements to them?

A
  1. Labelling theory
  2. Left realism
  3. New Right
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7
Q

When did A.K Cohen write?

A

1955

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8
Q

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

A
  1. c+d = collective response NOT just individual

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

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9
Q

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

A

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

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10
Q

What do wc boys suffer from

AK Cohen

A

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

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11
Q

What are 4 criticisms of AK Cohen’s work?

A
  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…)
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12
Q

How does Box criticise AK Cohen’s work?

A

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

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13
Q

What are 2 strengths of AK Cohen’s work?

A
  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
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14
Q

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

A

Differentail association

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

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15
Q

When did Cloward + Ohlin write?

A

1960

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16
Q

How do Cloward + Ohlin criticise AK Cohen?

Hoe do C+O try to overcome this?

A

For not explaining the diversity of repossess

C+O try to explain different types of wc delinquency

17
Q

How does Cloward + Ohlin develop Merton’s idea?

A

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)

18
Q

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

A
  1. Criminal subc
  2. Conflict subc
  3. Retreatist subc
19
Q

Describe C+O’s criminal subculture

A

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

20
Q

Describe C+O’s conflict subculture

A

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

21
Q

Describe C+O’s retreatist subculture

A

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.

22
Q

What is a strength of C+O’s work?

A

Explains wc deviance which is non-utilitarian

23
Q

What are 2 criticism of C+O’s work?

A
  1. Ignore overlap between subcultures
    e. g. criminal gang members deal drugs
  2. May be more than 3 types of subculture
24
Q

When did Miller write?

A

1962

25
Q

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

A

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

26
Q

What does Miller argue? about focal concerns

A

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)

27
Q

What are 3 wc male subculture unique focal concerns?

Miller

A
  1. Toughness
  2. Smartness
  3. Excitement
    wc male subc. engages in activities that match these
28
Q

Why do wc focal concern develop?

Miller

A

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

29
Q

What are 2 criticism of Miller’s work?

A
  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
30
Q

What is a strength of Miller’s work?

A 
Murray (New Right) supports ideas
Argues = distinct underclass whose values encourage deviant + criminal beh
31
Q

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

A

Matza

32
Q

What general idea did Matza disagree with?

A

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

33
Q

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

A

‘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)

34
Q

Is delinquent permanent?

Matza

A 
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)

Sociology Crime (24 decks)

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