Walter Miller's subcultural explanation of why young working-class males commit crime centres on the idea that they are socialised into a particular set of norms and values that he calls focal concerns. Miller's theory is explained in this video

VIDEO TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction to subcultural theories of crime and deviance.
00:35 - Six focal concerns of working-class males:
01:13 - Excitement as a focal concern leading to antisocial behavior.
01:46 - Toughness associated with higher status and violent crimes.
02:23 - Smartness as street smarts leading to illegal gambling and fraud.
03:00 - Trouble as a focal concern and acceptance of conflict with authorities.
03:35 - Autonomy and anti-authority stance among working-class males.
04:08 - Fate and fatalistic view affecting decision-making and agency.
05:14 - Criticisms of Miller's ideas and their link to the new right and Marxism.
06:20 - Conclusion

VIDEO SUMMARY
This video explores subcultural theories of crime and deviance, focusing on the work of Walter Miller. Miller suggests that the working class has distinct norms and values independent of mainstream society, which can lead to criminal and deviant behaviors. He identifies six focal concerns among working-class males: excitement, toughness, smartness, trouble, autonomy, and fate. These concerns influence their behaviors and choices. Excitement leads to antisocial behavior, while toughness is associated with violence. Smartness relates to street smarts and illegal activities. Trouble reflects a willingness to confront authorities. Autonomy involves an anti-authority stance, and fate leads to a fatalistic view of the future. Criticisms of Miller's ideas include victim-blaming and the narrow focus on working-class males. Overall, his theories shed light on the subcultural dynamics and values within the working class.

KEY TERMS IN THE VIDEO
subcultural theories, crime, deviance, Walter Miller, working class, norms, values, focal concerns, excitement, toughness, smartness, trouble, autonomy, fate, antisocial behavior, violence, street smarts, fatalism, agency, criticism, victim-blaming.

свернуть