9. Define and briefly explain the concept of criminal subcultures.
OCR
A Level
2024
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Criminal Subcultures: A Sociological Perspective
This essay will explore the concept of criminal subcultures, providing a definition, examining their key characteristics and providing examples from sociological studies.
Defining Criminal Subcultures
Criminal subcultures are distinct groups within society that engage in criminal activity, often with a shared set of values, beliefs, and behaviours that legitimize their actions.
Key characteristics of criminal subcultures:
- Organised Structure: Often characterized by a hierarchical structure with a leader and specific roles for members.
- Criminal Activity: Actively involved in criminal behaviour, which can be organised and systematic, such as drug dealing, theft, or violence.
- Opposition to Mainstream Values: Often reject mainstream values and norms, embracing anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.
- Shared Identity and Belonging: Provide a sense of belonging and identity for members, often lacking in mainstream society.
Sociological Perspectives on Criminal Subcultures
Sociologists have developed various theories to explain the emergence and development of criminal subcultures:
Cloward and Ohlin's Theory of Differential Opportunity
Cloward and Ohlin (1960) argue that criminal subcultures emerge when young people face limited opportunities for success through legitimate means. They identify three types of subcultures:
- Criminal subcultures: Develop in areas where organised crime is prevalent, providing opportunities for young people to learn criminal skills and engage in profitable criminal activities.
- Conflict subcultures: Develop in areas with high levels of social disorganization and violence, where young people resort to violence to gain status and respect.
- Retreatist subcultures: Develop when individuals fail to achieve success through legitimate or illegitimate means. These subcultures often involve drug use and withdrawal from society.
Empirical Studies of Criminal Subcultures
Several sociological studies have provided valuable insights into the nature and functioning of criminal subcultures:
- Bourgois (1995): Studied drug-dealing gangs in New York, highlighting the economic motivations and social conditions that contribute to their formation.
- Harding (2004): Examined violent street gangs in South London, exploring the role of masculinity, territory, and violence in constructing gang identity.
- James Patrick (1973): Studied a criminal Glasgow gang, highlighting the complexities of gang membership and the social bonds that hold gangs together.
- Venkatesh (2008): Went undercover as a gang leader for a day in Chicago, providing firsthand insights into the daily operations and challenges faced by gang members.
Conclusion
Criminal subcultures are complex social phenomena that are shaped by a range of social, economic, and cultural factors. By understanding the dynamics of these subcultures, we can develop more effective strategies for crime prevention and social intervention. The sociological studies discussed highlight the importance of considering the social context in which criminal subcultures emerge and the need for nuanced approaches to tackling criminal activity.
Criminal Subcultures in Sociology
Criminal subcultures, a key concept in sociological criminology, refer to distinct groups within society that possess their own norms, values, and beliefs that not only tolerate but often encourage and reward criminal behaviour. These subcultures often emerge in response to social and economic disadvantage, providing alternative pathways to achieve success or status when legitimate means are blocked.
Characteristics and Organisation of Criminal Subcultures
Criminal subcultures, particularly organised criminal gangs, often exhibit a hierarchical structure with established leaders and codes of conduct. This structure fosters loyalty, obedience, and a shared sense of belonging. Within these subcultures, criminal activity, whether drug trafficking, protection rackets, or dealing in stolen goods, is seen as a legitimate means to an end.
Theories and Examples of Criminal Subcultures
Cloward and Ohlin, in their theory of "differential opportunity," identified criminal subcultures as one of three possible adaptations to blocked opportunities, alongside conflict and retreatist subcultures. They argued that criminal subcultures thrive in environments where illegitimate opportunities for success, like organised crime, are readily available.
Several studies have provided insights into the functioning of criminal subcultures:
- Bourgois, in his ethnographic study of drug dealers in New York, revealed the complex social and economic factors that contribute to the formation and persistence of these subcultures.
- Harding's research on violent street gangs in South London highlighted the role of respect, reputation, and territoriality within these groups.
- James Patrick's work delved into the inner workings of a criminal gang in Glasgow, illustrating the power dynamics and codes of loyalty that bind members together.
Venkatesh's "Gang Leader for a Day" and Subcultural Dynamics
Sudhir Venkatesh's "Gang Leader for a Day" provides a unique and nuanced perspective on the complexities of criminal subcultures. Through his immersive participant observation of a Chicago gang, Venkatesh challenges simplistic notions of gangs as purely criminal enterprises. He reveals their intricate social structures, economic activities, and even their provision of social services within their communities. Venkatesh's work highlights the importance of understanding the broader social and economic context in which these subcultures operate.
Conclusion
Criminal subcultures represent a complex social phenomenon with deep roots in social inequality and blocked opportunity. Through the work of sociologists and researchers like Cloward and Ohlin, Bourgois, and Venkatesh, we gain a deeper understanding of the motivations, structures, and consequences of these groups. Addressing the root causes of criminal subcultures requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles social and economic disparities while providing viable alternatives to crime and violence.
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Organised Criminal Gangs/Subcultures
Organised criminal gangs/subcultures are defined usually with a hierarchy and a 'leader'.
They are subcultures that are actively involved in criminal behaviour, which may be quite organised, such as drug-dealing, protection rackets or dealing in stolen goods.
Examples and Studies:
Candidates may refer to specific examples and/or studies of criminal sub-cultures to illustrate the concept such as:
- Cloward and Ohlin - criminal subcultures is one of three types of subcultures by opportunity.
- Bourgeois - drug dealing gangs in New York
- Harding - violent street gangs in south London
- James Patrick - the criminal Glasgow gang
- Ventakesh - gang leader for a day