What's the definition of a subculture?

How does this differ from Strain Theory?

Focus here is on antisocial behaviour.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subcultural_theory

http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/sociology/introduction-to-deviance/revise-i...

http://revisesociology.wordpress.com/2012/05/12/3-subcultural-theories/

http://compass.port.ac.uk/UoP/file/9127b0f2-dd6d-4cd7-8ef9-5368b13bfd3c/1/S...

Three key sets of research:
Cohen - 1955: influenced by Merton and Chicago School ethnographic research. Crime not necessarily motivated by economic benefit. Behaviour often expressed in groups or gangs.
Education system key to understanding why 'lower-class' boys may commit criminal or deviant acts.

Two key concepts:
Delinquent behaviour

Status frustration

Evaluation:
Box (1981) applies to a minority
Miller (1962) working class values essentially different to middle class and so don't correspond with expectations of schools
Ignores female offendors

Legal AND illegal opportunity structures - i.e. some subcultures may be based around illegitimate action e.g. organised crime.
Cloward & Ohlin talk about 3 subcultures.
Criminal: money spinning career
Conflict: violence for respect
Retreatist: 'dropout' alcohol/drugs

Clear link to Merton here with the retreatist aspect.

Evaluation: large-scale organised crime is ltd in UK; distinctions are too 'neat' there may be overlap e.g. heroin addicts who steal to fund habit. Doesn't comment on women. Doesn't comment on class aspect.

CRITICISING SUBCULTURAL THEORIES!
Concept of 'subterranean values' - everyone is capable of 'suspending' mainstream values in the right circumstances, very little commitment to an entirely different set of values.
Concept of 'techniques of neutralisation' - behaviour can be explained away in a variety of ways.

Working class culture - goals and values - are simply different middle class goals and values. Miller challenges strain theory

Focal concerns:
Trouble
Toughness
Excitement
Smartness
Autonomy
Fate

What do you think? Is there gang culture?

2008 YouGov study:
only 6-9% of young people claim to belong to a 'gang'
only 2% claim to carry or have ever carried a knife

Marshall (2005) - 3 different groupings:
peer group/crew
gangs
organised criminal groups

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26703966

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20451521

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20997152

Rework notes, annotate, add, consider what you agree/disagree with and why.

Read relevant pages in at least three different texts.

Research ideas on the Internet using links given - what can you add to your notes?

Watch relevant pieces of film.

Think of any questions you need to ask to aid understanding...