Criminal Sub-Cultures

Criminal sub-cultures represent a complex and evolving area of sociological study. Defined as groups within wider society that hold values and norms that often lead to criminal behaviour, understanding their formation, structure and activities is crucial for developing effective crime prevention strategies. This essay will explore several prominent types of criminal sub-cultures and discuss the reasons behind their engagement in criminal activities.

Youth Sub-Cultures

Youth sub-cultures, often recognizable by their distinctive styles and activities, can sometimes exhibit criminal tendencies. Cohen (1955) argued that working-class boys, frustrated by their limited opportunities for success in mainstream society, often turn to delinquent sub-cultures. These subcultures, offering alternative status and belonging, can manifest in groups like mods and rockers, known for their clashes in the 1960s, or punks and skinheads, sometimes associated with violence and anti-social behaviour. While not all members engage in criminal acts, the sub-cultural norms can glamorize rebellion and transgression, making criminal behaviour more likely.

Organised Crime

In contrast to the sometimes-disorganized nature of youth sub-cultures, organised criminal sub-cultures, like the Mafia, exhibit a highly structured and hierarchical system. Their criminal activities, ranging from drug trafficking and extortion to money laundering, are often sophisticated and aimed at maximizing profits. Hobbs (1998), studying the global drug trade, highlighted how these groups exploit weaknesses in law enforcement and utilize complex networks to facilitate their operations.

Gangs

Similar to organised crime in their hierarchical structures, gangs often emerge in deprived communities and offer a sense of belonging and protection to their members. However, they often exert control through intimidation and violence. Thrasher (1927), in his study of gangs, noted that they provide an alternative opportunity structure for marginalized youth, often leading them into criminal activities like drug dealing, theft, and violence.

Other Criminal Sub-Cultures

Beyond these well-known examples, other types of criminal sub-cultures exist. Retreatist sub-cultures, for instance, are characterized by their withdrawal from mainstream society and reliance on substances. Cloward and Ohlin (1960), in their theory of delinquency, identified "retreatists" as individuals who fail in both legitimate and illegitimate opportunity structures and turn to drugs as a way to cope. Crimes often become a means to support their addictions.

Murray (1984), a controversial figure in sociology, argued for the existence of an "underclass" sub-culture. This theory suggests that a segment of society, often concentrated in impoverished areas, transmits deviant norms and values across generations, leading to a cycle of criminal behaviour.

Finally, the digital age has seen the emergence of online criminal sub-cultures. Groups like Anonymous, a decentralized network of hacktivists, engage in cybercrime, often targeting corporations and governments. Their actions, while sometimes driven by political motivations, often involve illegal activities like hacking, data breaches, and issuing ransom threats.

Conclusion

Criminal sub-cultures present a multifaceted challenge. Understanding the diverse motivations, social contexts, and structures of these groups is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention programs. From the disaffected youth seeking belonging to sophisticated criminal networks seeking profit, tackling the root causes of criminal sub-cultures requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses social inequalities, provides opportunities for legitimate advancement, and disrupts the cycles of criminal behaviour.