Miller's Subcultural Theory: Life Beyond Sociology

Subcultural Theory: Life Beyond Sociology
Brendetta Beamon
SOC 210
Sampson Community College
11/28/2014

Brendetta Beamon
Teresa Johnson
SOC 210
28 November 2014
Subcultural Theory: Life Beyond Sociology In pursuance to fully address all the points stated in this assignment, I have chosen to use the concept of the subcultural theory. This particular theory in sociology is also associated with and is a well known theory in the field of criminal justice (my major area of study.) The subcultural theory in both the field of sociology and criminal justice concern the subject matter of delinquency amongst younger individuals. Names of individuals that are associated with the subcultural theory include: Phil Cohen, David Matza,
Miller (an anthropologist involved in the exploration of the subcultural theory), expresses his stance on the subcultural theory by technically stating that “it is not because of a younger individuals inability to achieve, but because of a lower class subculture whose values differentiate from those of the norm” (Kvaraceus 1959.) In Miller’s opinion of crime amongst juveniles, the acts of delinquency are committed not because there is a strain to accomplish, but because of the different values of people in a lower class possess. Miller also explains that “three focal points play a huge part in delinquency, the focal points include: toughness, smartness and excitement. Miller feels as though toughness is considered an essential trait in lower class subculture and refers to smartness as one’s desire to ‘outfox’ another individual; the third focal point he refers to as excitement and believes that those of a lower class subculture enjoy the thrills of committing crimes even those that involve sexual gratification” (Kvaraceus
With that being said, the more you know about your occupation of choice, the greater the chance you will succeed in your career. In the field of criminal justice (using juvenile court counselors and their work as an example), the longer an individual works in a department, the more knowledge they gain and the better they are able to cope with and help individuals, handle situations and perform the specific tasks required for that job. In addition to understanding one’s job in the field of criminal justice, comes the responsibility to attempt to control and contain the misbehaviors of others. With the principle of cause and effect in mind, it is clear that before the crime (the effect) was committed, there was more than likely a reason (the cause) for it. In understanding an individual’s reason for committing a crime, comes solutions as how to better control and contain other possible crimes from