The importance of cohen's theory is that it views delinquency as

The answer is the expression of conformity to cultural values and norms that are in opposition to those of the larger U.S. society. This is how Cohen’s theory views delinquency.

EXPLANATION

Cohen’s theory is typically about why people do crimes and non-utilitarian crimes. To analyze this, Cohen developed a theory about subcultures. He stated that subcultural theories' main idea is that people who actually have different values and norms from the rest of the people in society. Therefore, they defy and confront the values and norms of society.

Subcultures are different from the rest of society. What is perceived as something taboo in the society, is seen as something that’s praiseworthy and great in the subcultures. Meanwhile, something that is considered good in society, was perceived as deviant by the subcultures.

Cohen said that the subcultures theory can explain the emergence of delinquency among teenagers. Crimes are done because the subcultures actually want to defy the values of mainstream society. By becoming socially deviant, like doing crimes, you will be praised by the subcultures. It can also result in having status in the subcultures.

Therefore, delinquency is seen as a way for people to defy from the common values in the society. They believe that crimes such as vandalism, fighting, and robbery are the ways for people in the subcultures to obtain status.

LEARN MORE

If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, we recommend you to also take a look at the following questions:

Criminalist:  

Punishment of crimes based on social class:  

KEYWORD: delinquency, Cohen’s theory, subcultures

Subject: Social Studies

Class: 10-12

Subchapter: Delinquency

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