Essay on Albert Cohens Theory - 1123 Words

According to Siegel (2013) Albert Cohen developed the theory of delinquent subcultures in his classic 1995 book, Delinquent Boys. Cohen believes that the delinquent behavior of lower class youth actually goes against the norms and values of middle-class U. S. culture. These youths experience what he calls status frustration due to social conditions that enable them to achieve success legitimately. As a result of this social conflict the youths join gangs and become involved in behavior that is â€Å"nonutilitarian, malicious, and negativistic. This gang subculture possesses a value system directly opposed to that of the larger society. Their norms of society are completely opposite. Their conduct is right by the standards of their subculture†¦show more content†¦The corner boy is the most common response. They are not chronically delinquent but may be involved in petty or status offenses. He is loyal to his peers and eventually becomes a stable member of his neighborhood. The college boy embraces the cultural and social values of the middle class and strives to be successful by these standards. These youths are on an almost hopeless path because they are ill-equipped academically, socially, and linguistically to achieve the rewards of middle class life. The delinquent boy adopts a set of norms and principles in direct opposition to middle class values. They live for the day and do not think about tomorrow. They go against efforts made by family, school, or other sources of authority to control their behavior. The attraction, loyalty, and solidarity are some of the reasons they join gangs along with the gangs perception of autonomy and independence. Reaction formation is the result of the delinquent boy’s inability to succeed. The real problem for Cohen is status frustration, not blocked opportunity (Siegel, 2013). Lower-class youth desire approval and status, but because they cannot meet middle-class criteria, they become frustrated (Criminolo gy chapter 4 outline sagepub.com). They overreact to any perceived threat or slight. They are also willing to take risk, violate the law, and flout middle-class conventions. Cohen’s work explains the factors that promote and sustain aShow MoreRelatedAlbert Cohen And The Chemical Warfare Service868 Words   |  4 PagesAlbert Cohen, born in Boston in 1918, where he spent the overwhelming majority of his life in academia. In 1939, he completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard, where he was greatly influenced by his professors, most importantly Merton at Harvard, and Sutherland at Indiana. He chose to leave the New England area for graduate school. Cohen attended Indiana University where he completed his sociology graduate degree in 1942, during a tenuous time for the nation and the world, was gripped in warRead MoreTheory of Delinquency1458 Words   |  6 PagesTheory of delinquency Deviant sub-cultural theories of crime focus on subcultures, i.e. groups within wider society with norms, lifestyles and values distinct from those of mainstream society. The focus in sub-cultural theories is on delinquency. In the UK, a preoccupation with the idea that future crime was determined by juvenile delinquency came about as a result of the 1895 UK Gladstone Committee, wherein research focused on gang culture among young males (aged 16-25). Deviance is perceivedRead MoreAlbert Cohens Meaning Of Delinquent Subcultures1463 Words   |  6 PagesAlbert Cohen’s work on delinquent subcultures was influenced by Robert Merton and Edwin Sutherland as he was student of both. Cohen draws on Merton’s strain theory as an underlying theory to develop his understanding on delinquent subculture within inner city neighborhoods. Cohen’s text Delinquent Boys: The Culture of the Gang (1955) was first of the subcultural theories of crime aimed at explaining the emergency of delinquent subculture and how one can get to the root of the issue. According toRead MoreAnalysis Of The Lost Boyz1048 Words   |  5 Pagesfor purpose in a world filled with racism and violence. In his book â€Å"The Lost Boyz† he tells us the crucial events which occurred throughout his upbringing which shaped his journey through his teenage years. This essay will critically evaluate the theories and explanations for Rollins’ offend ing behaviour using a wide range of criminological perspectives. Psychological positivist John Bowlby considered the effect of maternal deprivation as a cause of crime. He stated that children require consistentRead MoreYouth Deviance Essay1376 Words   |  6 PagesCritically examine the theory of deviance with reference to young people and their membership in deviant subcultures or gangs. Deviance is associated with young people today and is rapidly on the increase within the street and school environment. Young deviants are engaging in gang membership and subcultures with a means of social belonging, social interest and ethnic identity. There are several sociological and subcultural theories which deem to explain deviance. Some of the theories are functionalistRead MoreTheory Paper Based on Boyz N the Hood1007 Words   |  5 Pagesblockbuster. The film incorporates numerous criminological theories and also demonstrates the concepts of conformity and deviance. This paper will analyze the characters of Tre, Ricky, Doughboy, Furious and other friends and family and show how criminological theories and the concepts of conformity and deviance play a part in their lives. The Learning Approach/ Social Learning Theory Edwin Sutherland’s theory of Differential Association theory is about an individual learning criminal behaviour throughRead MoreBiological Determinism, Subculture Crime And Conflict Theories1652 Words   |  7 PagesThe theories that will be looked at in order to provide a sufficient report for the judge on what caused Albert to enter a life of crime which culminated in his conviction for murder are; biological determinism, ecological determinism, subculture crime and conflict theories. Biological determinism One of the best known application of biological determinism in relation to crime is from Cesare Lombroso who â€Å"Viewed criminals as suffering from a depravity caused by an atavistic reversion:† In otherRead MoreFlorencia Girls Case Study1028 Words   |  5 Pagesfurther understand the emergence of these adolescent members. This paper will also focus on using Walter Millers Cultural Deviance Theory, and his six focal concerns (toughness, getting into trouble, smartness, fate, excitement, and autonomy), to help understand and explain the behavior of these adolescent members. Lastly, we will use Albert Cohens Subcultural Theory, to describe how members of the Florencia gang gain respect through the Lower Class Value System, as opposed to following Middle ClassRead MoreCrime and Deviance4103 Words   |  17 Pagescovering Merton’s limitations Albert Cohen’s subcultural theory was introduced, his theory only focuses on how educational failure played a major par t in working class crime as gang delinquency. Cloward and Ohlin criticised Cohen that he did not cover all of Merton’s limitations; hence, Cloward and Ohlin explained the three different types of deviance. The strengths and limitations of the four theories will be highlighted. Marxists criticism of functionalist theory and the similarities and differencesRead More The Existence of Crime Culture Among Certain Social Groups Essay3545 Words   |  15 PagesAlbert Cohen’s thesis is that class based status frustration is the origin of subcultures. Crime culture existed in certain social groups and the individuals learned the value of the delinquent subculture through participation in gangs. Delinquent subcultures have values that are in opposition to those of the dominant culture. The strain is rooted by low economical conditions, poor parental relations, and low school standards, with no chance of succeeding in the future. The anti social structure