How subcultural theory as it relates to delinquency and crime

Subcultural theorists argue that young people join delinquent subcultures because they are seeking status and recognition. These subcultures offer young people a sense of belonging and a way to express their individuality. However, the values and norms of these subcultures often conflict with those of mainstream society. This can lead to delinquency and crime, as young people engage in behaviors that are designed to shock and offend mainstream society.

Subcultural theory has been used to explain a wide range of delinquent and criminal behaviors, including gang violence, property crime, and drug use. It has also been used to explain the gender gap in delinquency, with subcultural theorists arguing that girls are less likely to join delinquent subcultures than boys because they have more opportunities to achieve status through conventional means.

Critique of subcultural theory

Subcultural theory has been criticized for a number of reasons. One criticism is that it is too simplistic. Subcultural theorists often portray delinquent subcultures as monolithic entities, when in reality they are much more complex and diverse. Another criticism is that subcultural theory does not adequately explain why some young people join delinquent subcultures while others do not.

Rethinking subculture and subcultural theory

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in subcultural theory. However, this interest has been accompanied by a call for a rethinking of the theory. Subcultural theorists are now beginning to recognize that subcultures are not static entities, but rather dynamic and evolving groups. They are also beginning to pay more attention to the individual-level factors that influence young people's decisions to join and participate in delinquent subcultures.

Overview of the article "Rethinking subculture and subcultural theory in the study of youth crime - A theoretical discourse" by C.J. Nwalozie (2015)

In his article, Nwalozie argues that subcultural theory has played an important role in criminological research, but that it is time to rethink the theory in light of new evidence and theoretical developments. Nwalozie identifies a number of areas where subcultural theory needs to be updated, including:

• The need to recognize the diversity of delinquent subcultures
• The need to consider the role of individual-level factors in delinquency
• The need to examine the relationship between subcultures and other social institutions, such as schools and families

Nwalorzie also argues that subcultural theory should be used to inform policy and practice in the areas of delinquency prevention and intervention.

Conclusion

Subcultural theory is a complex and evolving theory that has made significant contributions to our understanding of delinquency and crime. However, the theory is not without its critics. Subcultural theorists are increasingly recognizing the need to rethink the theory in light of new evidence and theoretical developments.

Subcultural theory of delinquency and crime

Subcultural theory is a criminological theory that posits that delinquency and crime are a result of young people's participation in deviant subcultures. These subcultures are characterized by values and norms that are antithetical to those of mainstream society.

Subcultural theory emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as a response to the failure of other theories to explain the high rates of delinquency and crime among working-class youth. Traditional theories, such as strain theory and social control theory, focused on individual-level factors, such as poverty and family dysfunction. Subcultural theory, on the other hand, emphasized the role of group dynamics and social learning in delinquency and crime.