Discuss Albert Cohen's theory of delinquent subcultures

What will be an ideal response?


The answer should include the following points:
• 9 norms make up the middle-class measuring rod
• Lower-class youth fully internalize the goals of middle-class culture but experience status frustration, or strain, because they are unable to attain them
• Strain explains their membership in delinquent gangs and their nonutilitarian, malicious, and
negativistic behavior
• Status at school measured by middle-class standards
• Reaction formation: psychological strategy for dealing with frustration by becoming hostile toward an unattainable object
• Reaction formation to address status frustration

Criminal Justice

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a. True b. False

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Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

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Indicate whether the statement is true or false

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Which is not a principle of the life-course approach?

a. Some individuals are incapable of maturing in a reasonable and timely fashion. b. As people mature, the factors that influence their behavior change. c. The decision to violate the law comes after a careful weighing of the benefits and costs of criminal behaviors. d. Early onset of antisocial behavior predicts later and more serious criminality.

Criminal Justice