Introduction To Subcultures That Carried Me Away From Being

Introduction Subculturessports Carried Me Away From Being In A Gang

Introduction: Subcultures "Sports carried me away from being in a gang or being associated with drugs. Sports was my way out." - LeBron James. Social control theory differs from other criminological theories by emphasizing the reasons behind individuals' behaviors rather than why they choose to act criminally. It examines how and why some individuals conform to societal expectations while others do not.

Reflecting on LeBron James' quote suggests that the motivation was not solely sports, but the broader concept of subculture. A subculture is a subdivision within the dominant culture characterized by its own norms, beliefs, and values. More importantly, it is about a sense of belonging and alliance-building among peers within a larger group, not necessarily a separate or isolated entity.

Members of a subculture often display heightened loyalty to fellow members, sometimes even engaging in behaviors that contradict mainstream societal norms, including unethical or criminal actions. Such allegiance is typically exemplified by terms like brotherhood, chapter, or sets. While subcultures are not inherently criminal, they often represent a divergence from the dominant societal norms in beliefs and behaviors.

In sports, for example, physical confrontations like elbows thrown during basketball are accepted within the subculture but would be inappropriate in broader society. This illustrates that subcultures can have their own rules and norms that differ from societal expectations.

Within law enforcement, subcultures can form through unspoken alliances or expectations. Such alliances—like the “blue wall” or police brotherhood—are based on loyalty and mutual support among officers. Even when illegal actions are not involved, these bonds illustrate the existence of subcultural dynamics within larger societal institutions.

Law enforcement officers are part of the larger American society and are subject to the same laws and social norms. They operate within a broader cultural context but develop their own norms that foster loyalty and camaraderie, which may sometimes lead to bias or preferential treatment.

Subcultures can also be criminal in nature. A clear example is youth gangs, historically expanded and reinforced through the correctional system. In the 1960s, California correctional facilities became heavily infiltrated by gang-related inmates. Transferring gang leaders across states inadvertently facilitated the dissemination of gang structures, increasing their proliferation nationally.

Various theories suggest why individuals develop delinquent or criminal subcultures, often implicating economic factors, social class, and cultural values. In lower socioeconomic neighborhoods, a lack of social control and exposure to criminal role models fosters environments where violence and force are normalized and not viewed as antisocial (Kornhauser, 1978). Such environments reinforce value systems that equate material wealth with social status, motivating youth to join gangs as a pathway to social mobility.

Family dynamics also contribute, especially when parents or guardians are involved in criminal or gang activities, passing these affiliations to their children. For some youth, joining gangs is seen as a rite of passage or a means to attain protection in violent neighborhoods (Sampson & Laub, 1993). In such contexts, external controls like law enforcement are weak, and internal controls—family, school, community—are insufficient to deter delinquent behaviors.

Subcultures exist within society as a response to marginalization, shared circumstances, and socioeconomic pressures. They are marked by loyalty to their members and aid in providing social support, protection, and a sense of belonging. The terminology used—brotherhood, chapter, sets—reflects these bonds, regardless of whether behaviors are lawful or unlawful.

Understanding the development and characteristics of subcultures through social control theory offers insights into why individuals gravitate toward delinquent or criminal affiliations. The theory suggests that weakened social bonds and a lack of social control increase susceptibility to subcultural influences, thus contributing to criminal behaviors and the persistence of gang activity (Hirschi, 1969).

In conclusion, subcultures serve complex social functions. They foster group identity, provide support systems, and often emerge as responses to socioeconomic marginalization and social exclusion. Criminological theories, especially social control theory, help explain the mechanisms behind the formation of delinquent subcultures and their impacts on individuals and society at large.

Paper For Above instruction

LeBron James’ assertion that sports saved him from a life of gangs or drug involvement exemplifies how subcultures can serve as powerful alternative social systems. These subcultures, although embedded within larger societal structures, often possess their own norms, values, and behaviors which can either conform to or diverge from mainstream societal expectations. Social control theory provides a useful framework to analyze these dynamics by focusing on the bonds that people form within subcultures and how these bonds influence behavior.

Subcultures are not merely divisions within society based on differing norms or beliefs. They are much more complex phenomena rooted in the human need for belonging and identity. Members often demonstrate loyalty that surpasses societal norms, a phenomenon observed in various contexts—from sports teams to criminal gangs. The terminology used to describe these groups, such as brotherhoods, chapters, and sets, underscores the importance of allegiance in maintaining group cohesion and identity.

Within sports, participation involves certain accepted behaviors, like physical confrontations during play, which are normalized within that subculture. However, such behaviors would be deemed unacceptable in the broader societal context, illustrating how subcultures develop their own sets of norms. These norms help members navigate their social worlds but may conflict with societal laws or expectations, leading to potential clashes or misunderstandings.

In law enforcement, subcultures often form through unspoken alliances that reinforce loyalty among officers. The “blue wall” is a prime example, representing an unformalized network of mutual support. Such bonds exemplify how subcultures function within larger institutions—though they can promote cohesion, they can also contribute to biased practices or blind loyalty that undermine objectivity and accountability.

Criminal subcultures represent another significant manifestation, with gangs serving as a stark example. Their proliferation in the U.S. has historical roots tied to systemic factors such as the correctional system. During the 1960s, California’s overpopulated prisons became breeding grounds for gang activity. The transfer of gang leaders across states unintentionally facilitated the spread and entrenchment of gang networks, illustrating the self-reinforcing nature of such subcultures (Decker & Van Winkle, 1996).

Theories related to subcultural development emphasize the role of socioeconomic status, cultural values, and the absence of social controls. Lower-income neighborhoods often lack effective external controls, and role models involved in criminality influence youth who see gang membership as a viable means of achieving social mobility and respect (Cloward & Ohlin, 1960). This environment fosters a value system where violence and material success are prioritized, supporting the normalization of delinquent behaviors (Agnew, 2006).

Family and community influences further reinforce these subcultural ties. When parents are involved in gangs or criminal activity, their children may inherit these affiliations as a form of social capital and identity transfer (Sampson & Laub, 1993). For many youth, gang membership may also be perceived as a rite of passage or a necessary step for protection due to the unsafe environment, especially in violent urban areas (Vigil, 2002).

Social control theory posits that weakened bonds to conventional social institutions—such as family, school, and community—make individuals more susceptible to joining delinquent subcultures. When social bonds are strong and effective, they inhibit deviant behaviors; conversely, their absence fosters an environment where subcultural influences thrive (Hirschi, 1969). The bonds within delinquent subcultures often substitute for weak or absent conventional controls, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of criminal activity.

Understanding the functions of subcultures within society is critical for developing effective crime prevention strategies. Interventions that strengthen social bonds, provide positive role models, and address socioeconomic disparities can mitigate the development of criminal subcultures (Sampson & Laub, 1993). Law enforcement efforts must also recognize the social function of police subcultures and work to ensure accountability and fair practices that do not inadvertently reinforce criminal or biased norms.

In sum, subcultures serve vital roles as sources of support, identity, and social cohesion for their members, often emerging from feelings of marginalization or exclusion. While some subcultures are criminal, many are not; understanding their origins and functions through social control theory enhances our capacity to address rooted causes of delinquency and crime, ultimately fostering safer and more inclusive communities.

References

• Agnew, R. (2006). Juvenile Delinquency: Causes and Control. Oxford University Press.
• Cloward, R., & Ohlin, L. E. (1960). Delinquency and Opportunity: A Theory of Delinquent Gangs. Free Press.
• Decker, S. H., & Van Winkle, B. (1996). Life in the Gang: Family, Friends, and Violence. Cambridge University Press.
• Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of Delinquency. University of California Press.
• Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (1993). Crime in the Making: Pathways and Turning Points Through Life. Harvard University Press.
• Vigil, J. D. (2002). From Kids to Gang Members: Environments, Dilemmas, and Identities. Rutgers University Press.