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Unlock This CourseStatus Frustration Theory, developed by Albert Cohen in the 1950s, explains why some young people, particularly working-class boys, turn to criminal and deviant behaviour. Unlike theories that focus on material gain, Cohen's theory looks at how social status and feelings of rejection can lead to deviance.
Key Definitions:
Albert Cohen was an American sociologist who published his groundbreaking book "Delinquent Boys: The Culture of the Gang" in 1955. He studied under Robert Merton (of Strain Theory fame) but developed his own ideas about why young people commit crimes. Cohen was particularly interested in why crime often seemed non-utilitarian (not for practical gain) and why it happened in groups.
Cohen argued that working-class boys want to achieve status and success but lack the means to do so in a middle-class dominated education system. This creates feelings of frustration and inadequacy, leading them to reject mainstream values and form their own subcultures where they can gain status through different means - often through deviant behaviour.
According to Cohen, status frustration develops through a specific process:
Working-class children enter a school system that judges success based on middle-class values such as:
Schools reward academic performance, which working-class children may be less prepared for due to their home environment.
Middle-class speech patterns and vocabulary are valued over working-class communication styles.
Schools reward planning for the future rather than seeking immediate rewards.
When working-class boys struggle to meet these standards, they experience what Cohen calls a "status problem." They have three possible responses:
Accept middle-class values and try to succeed within the system (rare).
Give up on school success but conform to society in other ways.
Reject middle-class values entirely and create alternative value systems.
When working-class boys choose the "delinquent boy" response, they form what Cohen calls a delinquent subculture. This group develops its own values that are often the direct opposite of mainstream values.
Cohen used the term "reaction formation" to describe how delinquent subcultures develop values that are the opposite of middle-class norms. For example, if society values hard work, the subculture might celebrate laziness. If society values property rights, the subculture might celebrate theft or vandalism.
Within the delinquent subculture, young people can achieve status through activities like fighting, stealing, or vandalising property. These activities provide the recognition and respect they couldn't get in mainstream society. The more they reject society's rules, the more status they gain in their group.
According to Cohen, delinquent subcultures have several key characteristics:
In a study of youth gangs in London, researchers found a group of boys who called themselves the "Edgware Road Boys." Most came from working-class backgrounds and had struggled in school. They gained respect within their group through shoplifting, vandalism and confrontations with other gangs. When interviewed, many expressed that they felt "like nobody" at school but were "somebody" in the gang. Their criminal activities rarely had financial motives - instead, they were about gaining status and respect from peers. This illustrates Cohen's theory that status frustration leads to the formation of delinquent subcultures where alternative forms of status can be achieved.
Cohen's original theory focused almost exclusively on boys. He suggested that girls were less likely to form delinquent subcultures because:
Modern sociologists have criticised this aspect of Cohen's theory as outdated and sexist. Contemporary research shows that girls also experience status frustration, though it may manifest differently. For example, girls might form subcultures focused on early sexual activity, bullying, or social media-based deviance.
While Cohen's theory was developed in the 1950s, many sociologists argue it remains relevant today. Modern applications include:
Consider how status frustration might explain aspects of youth culture today. For example, some young people who struggle academically might seek status through social media followers, risky behaviours that can be filmed and shared, or through rejecting conventional appearance norms. The theory helps explain why some young people seem to deliberately break rules - it's not just rebellion, but an attempt to create alternative ways to gain respect and recognition when conventional paths seem closed.
Status Frustration Theory is one of several sociological explanations for crime and deviance. Here's how it compares to other major theories:
While Merton's Strain Theory focuses on the gap between cultural goals (like wealth) and legitimate means to achieve them, Status Frustration Theory emphasises social status and respect rather than material success. Strain Theory explains utilitarian crime (for gain), while Status Frustration better explains non-utilitarian, expressive crime.
Labelling Theory suggests deviance results from being labelled as deviant by powerful groups. Status Frustration Theory complements this by explaining why some groups might embrace deviant labels - they provide an alternative source of status when mainstream status is denied.
Status Frustration Theory provides a powerful explanation for why some young people, particularly those from working-class backgrounds, might engage in criminal and deviant behaviour. By highlighting how social exclusion and status denial can lead to the formation of delinquent subcultures, Cohen helps us understand that crime isn't simply about material gain or moral failure.
The theory reminds us that everyone needs recognition and respect. When legitimate paths to status are blocked, people will find alternative routes - even if those routes involve breaking society's rules. This insight remains valuable for understanding youth crime and developing effective interventions today.