Subcultural Theories of Crime & Deviance - Albert Cohen | A Level Sociology

Cohen set out to develop Merton's strain theory and particularly to address questions about why groups commit crimes and why people commit non-utilitarian crimes. In doing so he developed a theory about subcultures - which is explained in this video.
VIDEO TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction to Subcultural Theories of Crime and Deviance
00:33 - Albert Cohen and Strain Theory
01:08 - Educational Failures and Status Frustration
01:42 - Formation of Subcultural Groups and Alternative Norms
02:18 - Alternate Status Hierarchy and Criminal Behaviors
02:57 - Masculine Traits and Status in Subcultures
03:29 - Relevance of Cohen's Ideas in Contemporary Society
04:03 - Evaluating Status Frustration and Reactions to Exclusion
04:36 - Criminal Behavior and Control in Teenage Years
VIDEO SUMMARY
This video explores subcultural theories of crime and deviance, focusing on the work of Albert Cohen. Subcultural theories, inspired by Robert Merton's strain theory, examine how society's structural inequalities and blocked opportunities lead to the formation of subcultures that reject mainstream norms and values. Cohen's research highlights how working-class males, facing educational failures and limited prospects, seek alternative means of achieving status within their peer groups. These subcultures create their own norms and values, granting higher status to deviant activities and challenging authority. Cohen's concept of status frustration remains relevant, with correlations between excluded individuals and criminal behaviors. The video also discusses the application of Cohen's ideas in crime prevention programs and raises questions about the active pursuit of status and the role of subcultural norms in criminal behavior. Overall, Cohen's work provides insights into the relationship between social structure, status, and deviant behavior.
KEY TERMS IN THE VIDEO
Subcultural Theories, Crime and Deviance, Albert Cohen, Strain Theory, Blocked Opportunities, Status Frustration, Alternate Status Hierarchy, Norms and Values, Masculine Traits, Criminal Behaviors, Exclusion, Social Norms, Illegitimate Opportunity Subcultures.
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