Status frustration theory PDF

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Summary

overview of Albert Cohens theory of status frustration and the responses of lower class boys
and overview of characteristics of lower lass gangs ...

Description

Status Frustration and the Formation of Delinquent Subcultures Albert Cohen – Delinquent Boys (1955) -

Direct extension of Merton’s Anomie theory

 emphasized the effects of disparity between the socio-economic classes. o On psyche, behaviour, and perceptions  Focused on lower class male youth. o Believed some people were more deviant prone regardless of circumstance. But focused on what triggered it. Modern society is modelled around the American Middle-class family. -

Social and mass media + education system saturated it worldwide. Used as the benchmark to determine class. o Lower class are ill-equipped and begin with handicap.  “he cares what the middle-class person thinks”.

Response Types of Lower-Class boys 1. The Stable “Corner” Boy Response Gradual acceptance of ones standing in life. Adapt to situation. May be guilty of some delinquent acts. 2. The College Boy Response Take on middle class view and aspire to reach it as a goal. Unlikely to be delinquent. 3. The Delinquent Boy Response Experience ‘status frustration’ - In order to cope, employ defence mechanisms.  Results in hostile over reaction to middle-class values.  Groups form to create subcultures.

Characteristics of Lower-Class Delinquent Gangs 1. Non utilitarianism - no motivation for crime, e.g., steal for the excitement. 2. Maliciousness - act with the intention to bring harm or discomfort e.g., vandalism, arson. 3. Negativism - live by rules which oppose social norms. 4. Short run hedonism – have little concern for long term goals and aim for immediate gratification.

5. Group autonomy - purposeful disrespect of authority and resistance of any restriction

Adaptions of the delinquent sub-culture 1. 2. 3. 4.

Conflict orientated. Use of narcotics and drugs. Semiprofessional theft. Middle class subculture of delinquent groups that developed due to strain created by life in the middle-class environment. 5. The parent male subculture would negativistic behavior....