NCJ Number
163821
Date Published
1996
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This chapter summarizes several subcultural theories of crime and delinquency and examines the potential and the weaknesses of these theories.
Abstract
The author discusses subcultures in terms of possible differences by social class, geographic region, age, and gender. Elements of a subcultural explanation are considered, so as to attempt to revive interest in and research about subcultures in criminology. Issues discussed are the combination of structure and culture, subcultures and social class, research on the lower class subculture, the revival of class-based subcultures, a regional subculture of violence, adolescent subcultures, and gender and subcultural theory. The chapter does not conclude that subcultural theory fails to explain the association between gender and delinquency. A more detailed analysis of a wider range of factors is still needed. Gender is one of the most persistent correlates of delinquency. The author argues that both structural and cultural factors may cause crime and delinquency. In an examination of punishment, Garland (1990) emphasizes the interrelatedness of culture and structure. He describes penal institutions as cultural artifacts or as embodiments of cultural values, sensibilities, and meaning. Curtis (1975) and Bernard (1990) have suggested that structural and cultural explanations many be combined to account for criminal behavior. Structural conditions such as poverty or inequality may generate more occasions upon which an individual must demonstrate his masculinity or bravery. Luckenbill states that subcultures of crime and violence need not be restricted to racial minorities and the lower class. Male and adolescent subcultures with an emphasis on risk-taking and physical ability may foster crime and violence across race and class lines. 1 figure and 1 table