The Existence of Subcultures in Explaining Deviant Behaviour

The assertion that the existence of subcultures best explains deviant behaviour holds considerable weight in sociology. This essay will explore this view by examining how subcultures develop norms and values different from wider society, particularly youth subcultures linked to status frustration. It will draw on various research examples to illustrate these points.

Subcultures and Deviant Norms

Subcultures, by definition, are groups within a larger society that share a distinctive set of norms and values that may deviate from mainstream culture. While not always inherently oppositional to wider societal norms, these differences can lead to behaviours perceived as deviant by the dominant culture.

For instance, religious sects often adhere to strict codes of conduct that might be seen as unusual or extreme by outsiders. The Amish community's rejection of modern technology and their traditional clothing could be considered deviant from mainstream American society.

Youth Subcultures and Status Frustration

Albert Cohen's theory of status frustration, as articulated in "Delinquent Boys" (1955), provides a compelling explanation for deviance within youth subcultures. Cohen argued that working-class boys, often experiencing strain in achieving mainstream success, form subcultures that invert societal values. These subcultures offer alternative avenues for achieving status and recognition, even if through activities deemed delinquent by the dominant culture.

The emergence of teddy boys in the 1950s, characterized by their Edwardian-inspired clothing and rebellious attitude, can be seen as a reaction to the rigid class structure of post-war Britain. Similarly, the mods and rockers subcultures of the 1960s, with their distinct styles and occasional clashes, reflected the generational and class-based tensions of the time.

Subcultures, Identity, and Education

Subcultures also provide a space for individuals and groups to establish their identity and gain a sense of belonging, particularly when facing difficulties in receiving status within mainstream society. Skinheads, punks, goths, emos, and Rastafarians, each with their unique styles and ideologies, offer alternative spaces for identity formation and expression.

Moreover, education-related subcultures, often linked to class, gender, and ethnicity, can contribute to deviant behaviour. For example, Paul Willis's study "Learning to Labour" (1977) examined a group of working-class boys who formed a "counter-school culture" that rejected academic achievement, ultimately leading them to reproduce their working-class status.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the existence of subcultures provides a robust framework for understanding deviant behaviour. By fostering distinct norms and values, often in response to social inequalities and identity struggles, subcultures offer alternative pathways for individuals and groups to navigate societal structures. From religious sects to youth subcultures and education-related groups, the examples discussed demonstrate the powerful influence of subcultural dynamics in shaping behaviours deemed deviant by the dominant culture.