Subcultural strain theories

Created by: issy_howson
Created on: 29-10-17 11:45

What do Subcultural strain theories see deviance as the product of?

They are the product of delinquent subcultures who have different values from mainstream society.

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What do subcultures provide for society?

Alternative opportunity structures for those who are denied opportunities to achieve legitimately (Mainly Working class)

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How does Cohen criticise Mertons explaination to deviance ( 2 ways)

Merton explains an individuals reponse and ignores groups AND Merton focuses on utiliatrian crime (committed for Material Gain)

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In relation to Education how do w/c boys face anomie?

Education system is dominated with middle class values so this way they suffer from cultural deprivation and dont have the skills to achieve. Therefore they are left at the bottom of status heirarchy

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How do the w/c boys suffer form status frustration?

They are unable to achieve status by legitimate means. They face problems with their low status they are given by mainstream society.

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From status frustration how do the w/c boys turn to a delinquent subculture?

From their frustration they reject the m/c mainstream values and turn to other boys in a similar situation and form a delinquent subculture.

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How does the delinquent subculture compare to mainstream values?

The delinquent subculture inverts the values of the mainstream society - they turn them upside down. Whatever society condems the subculture praises and vise-versa.

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What is the subcultures function for the w/c boys?

It offers the boys an altnernative status where they can achieve. Through the illegitimate oppportunity structure they can win status through peers and delinquent actions.

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A strength and weakness to Merton's theory

It offers an explanation to non-utilitarian deviance. But, he assumes that all w/c boys start off with sharing m/c success goals. Ignores the possibility that they dont share these goals and therefore dont see themselves as failures.

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What do subcultures provide for society?

Back

Alternative opportunity structures for those who are denied opportunities to achieve legitimately (Mainly Working class)

Card 3

Front

How does Cohen criticise Mertons explaination to deviance ( 2 ways)

Back

Card 4

Front

In relation to Education how do w/c boys face anomie?

Back

Card 5

Front

How do the w/c boys suffer form status frustration?

Back

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Subcultural strain theories