Introduction to deviant subcultures

Deviant subcultures refer to groups within society that develop norms, values, and behaviours which differ from the mainstream. Most sociological theories of subcultures agree that social class plays a significant role in explaining subcultural deviance. However, some ethnographic studies of subcultures in schools and wider society also highlight the role of gender and ethnicity in subcultural formation and deviance.

Social class explanations for criminal and delinquent youth subcultures

Cohen's theory of status frustration

Albert Cohen's theory focuses on how working-class youth seek status but face barriers in mainstream society.

Key features of status frustration:

• Status frustration occurs when young people cannot achieve status through conventional means, leading them to form deviant subcultures and gangs.
• In these groups, members gain status from peers by engaging in delinquent acts.
• This results in gangs where deviance becomes a way to achieve status.

Cloward and Ohlin's illegitimate opportunity structures

Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin argue that the type of delinquency adopted by working-class youth depends on the type of illegitimate opportunity structure available in their neighbourhood.

Young's social bulimia theory

Social bulimia involves being "starved" of opportunities to achieve status and material success, leading to resentment, humiliation, envy, and anger. Working-class youth respond by "binging" on crime to achieve status and monetary success.

Ethnographic studies of working-class gangs

Harding's study of South London gangs

Simon Harding conducted an ethnographic study of gangs in South London. Members competed for "street capital" - respect, position, and survival. This competition often involved violence, risk, and threat to life or freedom.

Decker and Van Winkle's study of gang membership

Scott Decker and Barry Van Winkle examined factors pulling and pushing working-class youth into gangs.

Factors influencing gang membership:

• Youth were "pulled" into gang membership by the possibility of gaining status, experiencing excitement, and money-making opportunities.
• They were "pushed" by social, economic, and cultural disadvantages causing exclusion and marginalisation.
• Fear of violence and the need for protection also drove membership.

White's perspective on gangs and inclusion

Rob White argues that gangs serve protective functions for vulnerable youth. In deprived areas, gangs provide social inclusion, support, and security for vulnerable groups of deprived young people.

Social class and anti-school subcultures

Willis's ethnographic study of working-class boys

• Background - Paul Willis's neo-Marxist study challenged traditional explanations like status frustration or teacher labelling.

• Method - Ethnographic research following 12 working-class boys in a 1970s UK secondary school.

• Results - The boys rejected the school's value system. They viewed qualifications as unnecessary for the semi-skilled factory jobs like those of their fathers and brothers. They saw school as a means of having a laugh, rather than as a means of obtaining qualifications. When they 'failed' their exams and left school with few or no qualifications, they viewed this as success.

• Evaluation - The study may not apply today due to the decline in UK manufacturing jobs.

• Limitations - Modern employers often use qualifications as a sifting mechanism even for precarious low-paid and unskilled jobs.