There are a
wide range
of subcultural theories – most, but not all, from functionalist sociologists – that seek to explain why groups of young people commit crimes together. It is based on the idea that a group might have their own norms and values, distinct from the value consensus of mainstream society.
What is the subcultural theory in sociology?
Cohen’s subcultural theory assumes
that crime is a consequence of the union of young people into so-called subcultures in which deviant values and moral concepts dominate
. Subcultural theory became the dominant theory of its time.
How can a functionalist explain subcultures?
Functionalists also seek to explain deviant subcultures – groups whose values are opposed to those of wider society. to
individuals becoming increasingly different
from one another. This weakens the shared culture or collective conscience and results in higher levels of deviance.
Is Cohen a functionalist?
As a
functionalist
, Cohen thinks that everyone learns the same values and goals through socialisation, part of creating a value consensus.
Are Cloward and Ohlin Functionalists?
As with other functionalist subcultural theories, Cloward and Ohlin write about working-class crime and predominantly about males, yet do not tackle broader issues relating to social class or gender.
How useful are functionalist subcultural theories in explaining crime?
Cohen’s subcultural theory assumes
that crime is a consequence of the union of young people into so-called subcultures in which deviant values and moral concepts dominate
. Subcultural theory became the dominant theory of its time.
What are the three types of subcultures?
Subcultures include groups that have cultural patterns that set apart some segment of society. Cloward and Ohlin argued that there are three different types of deviant subcultures that young people might enter into:
criminal subcultures, conflict subcultures and retreatist subcultures
.
What did Cohen argue?
Cohen argued that
working-class boys often failed at school resulting in a low status
. A response to this was the formation of subcultures or gangs with values that were largely the reverse of mainstream values. What was deemed taboo or deviant in mainstream society was praiseworthy and good in the subculture.
Who proposed subcultural theory?
Phil Cohen
(1972) studied the youth of East London in the early 1970s. He examined the immediate and the wider context to determine how two different youth subcultures reacted to the changes occurring in their community. He suggested that the Mod reaction was to the new ideology of affluence.
What are some subcultures that exist in society?
Subcultures are part of society while keeping their specific characteristics intact. Examples of subcultures include
hippies, goths, bikers, and skinheads
. The concept of subcultures was developed in sociology and cultural studies. Subcultures differ from countercultures.
What is Cloward and Ohlin theory?
According to Cloward and Ohlin,
young people turn to delinquency when they have been boxed out of more legitimate opportunities
. An example is when working class young people cannot find a good paying job or achieve middle class status, and they turn to delinquency in an effort to create a better life.
What are types of subcultures?
- Goths. Goths are a music subculture that originated in the UK in the 1980s. …
- Punks. …
- Mods. …
- Skinheads. …
- Grunge. …
- Hip Hop. …
- Drum and Bass. …
- Emos.
What are the key principles of differential opportunity theory?
The theory of differential opportunities combines
learning, subculture, anomie and social disorganization theories and expands them to
include the recognition that for criminal behaviour there must also be access to illegitimate means.
How useful is functionalism?
Firstly, functionalism has been deemed
useful for understanding society on the grounds that it successfully demonstrates that social institutions are connected to
, and dependent on one another. Functionalists view society as a system – a structure of integrated parts which fit together to form a whole.
What is Durkheim functionalist theory?
Functionalism emphasizes a societal equilibrium. If something happens to disrupt the order and the flow of the system, society must adjust to achieve a stable state. According to Durkheim,
society should be analyzed and described in terms of functions
. … If one part changes, it has an impact on society as a whole.
What is functionalism based on?
Functionalism, in social sciences, theory based on
the premise that all aspects of a society—institutions, roles, norms, etc
. … Functionalism also postulates that all cultural or social phenomena have a positive function and that all are indispensable.
