A delinquent subculture emerges as a response to the conflict between the aspirations driven by middle-class values and the limited ability or opportunity available in the lower class.”
DETAILED ANALYSIS (LLB SEMESTER-STYLE, EASY LANGUAGE) 1. Meaning of “Delinquent Subculture” A delinquent subculture is a small group or gang that develops its own rules, values, and behaviour which are different from normal society, and often against the law . Examples: Street gangs Youth groups involved in theft, vandalism Groups showing violent or anti-social behaviour These groups give a sense of identity, respect, and belonging to young people who feel rejected by mainstream society. 2. Theoretical Background – Cohen’s Subcultural Theory Albert Cohen (1955) introduced the idea of “delinquent subculture.” According to him: Society values middle-class qualities such as discipline, good education, success, respect, ambition. But lower-class youth often cannot achieve these values because of poverty, poor schools, limited opportunities. They feel frustrated , humiliated , and develop “status frustration.” How they react? They create a new value system whe...