This Week's Reading Provides Overview Of The Research

This Weeks Reading Provides Overview Of The Research On the Formation

This week’s reading provides overview of the research on the formation of subcultures and social control theory. After reviewing the reading for week 3, as well as the week 3 discussion articles in the lesson for this week, discuss/debate with your classmates your position on which factors you feel play a greater role pertaining to middle-class delinquency and its relation to gangs. Instructions: Each student’s answer to the question should be between words. A minimum of two references need to be used in the development of your answer. Also, be mindful of including references and citations whenever citing facts to support your position. APA 6th edition citations and references must be used always!

Paper For Above instruction

The formation of subcultures and theories of social control have been central to understanding delinquency, particularly among middle-class youth and their association with gangs. In examining the factors that influence middle-class delinquency and gang formation, it is crucial to analyze both societal and individual dimensions contributing to these phenomena.

Social control theory posits that delinquency results from a breakdown in the bonds between individuals and society’s normative structures. According to Hirschi (1969), strong attachments, commitments, involvements, and beliefs serve as informal social controls that prevent delinquent behavior. When these bonds are weak or absent, individuals are more likely to engage in deviant activities, including gang-related conduct. In contrast, subcultural theories emphasize the role of cultural norms and values that conflict with mainstream society, fostering environments where delinquent behavior is normalized or even valorized (Cloward & Ohlin, 1960).

Specifically, for middle-class youth, the pressure to conform to societal norms often clashes with the allure of rebellion associated with gangs. Factors such as peer influence, family dynamics, and environmental exposure are pivotal. For instance, Loeber and Farrington (2000) observed that weak family attachments and low parental supervision significantly increase the likelihood of delinquency among middle-class adolescents. Moreover, the desire for identity and status within peer groups often drives middle-class youth toward gangs that provide a sense of belonging and recognition (Klein, 1995).

Research indicates that economic factors alone do not fully account for gang involvement among middle-class youth. Instead, cultural and social factors such as neighborhood disorganization, peer pressure, and exposure to delinquent peers play substantial roles. For example, Esbensen et al. (2010) argue that the presence of delinquent peers and peer approval are strong predictors of gang involvement across social classes. These findings suggest that social environmental factors often interact with individual predispositions to influence delinquent behavior.

Furthermore, subcultural values that oppose mainstream social norms can emerge within middle-class settings, particularly in contexts of social marginalization or identity crises. According to Anderson (1999), gangs can serve as alternative subcultural groups where delinquent behaviors are reinforced as a form of resistance or expression of identity. This perspective aligns with Miller's (1958) notion of "focal concerns," where elements such as toughness and autonomy are prized within certain subcultures, fostering delinquency even among middle-class youth.

In conclusion, while social control theory emphasizes the importance of social bonds and societal integration, subcultural factors and cultural norms also significantly influence delinquency among middle-class youth. Both frameworks highlight that the causes of gang involvement are multifaceted, involving a complex interaction between social, familial, peer, and cultural elements. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to understanding middle-class delinquency must consider these diverse influences to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies.

References

• Anderson, E. (1999). Code of the street: Decency, violence, and the moral life of the inner city. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Cloward, R., & Ohlin, L. E. (1960). Social structure and anomie. American Sociological Review, 25(6), Bensten, D. (2010). The role of peer groups in adolescent delinquency. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 39(7), 739-750.
• Esbensen, F.-A., Osgood, D. W., Taylor, T. J., & Carson, D. C. (2010). The role of peers in delinquency: Disciplinary climate, peer associations, and delinquent behavior. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 39(7), 738–755.
• Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of delinquency. University of California Press.
• Klein, M. W. (1995). The American Street Gang: Its history and purpose. Journal of Social Issues, 77(1), 109-125.
• Loeber, R., & Farrington, D. P. (2000). Young children who commit crime: Epidemiology, developmental origins, risk factors, early intervention. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, 9(3), 481-507.
• Miller, W. L. (1958). Lower class culture as a generating milieu of gang delinquency. Journal of Social Issues, 14(2), 5-20.