Understanding Subcultural Theories and Deviance

This comprehensive page explores the relationship between social structure and criminal behavior through various theoretical lenses. The content examines how different scholars approach the understanding of deviant behavior, particularly among working-class youth.

Definition: Subcultural theories view deviance as emerging from groups with values that differ from mainstream society, providing alternative paths for those who cannot achieve success through legitimate means.

Highlight: The theories primarily focus on working-class youth and their responses to limited opportunities for legitimate success.

Example: Different types of subcultures emerge based on local conditions:

• Criminal subcultures provide training in professional crime
• Conflict subcultures involve gang violence and territory wars
• Retreatist subcultures turn to drug use as an escape

Quote: "WC youths are denied legitimate opportunities to achieve success and status, however different subcultures respond differently depending to the lack of opportunities & where you live."

Vocabulary: Status frustration refers to the tension experienced by working-class youth when they cannot achieve societal success through legitimate means.

The page concludes with an evaluation of these theories, noting both strengths (explanation of non-utilitarian deviance) and weaknesses (ignoring crimes of the powerful). It also introduces Hirschi's social bond theory, which identifies four key bonds that encourage conformity: belief, commitment, involvement, and attachment.