Focal concerns theory
Encyclopedia
In criminology
, the focal concerns theory, posited in 1958 by Walter B. Miller
, attempts to explain the behavior of "members of adolescent street corner groups in lower class communities" as being based around six focal concerns: trouble, toughness, smartness, excitement, fate, autonomy. These focal concerns are described as "areas or issues which command widespread and persistent attention and a high degree of emotional involvement." Miller's theory, as it is often referred to, views these criminogenic influences as a learned part of the lower-class subculture values. In essence, the theory suggests that delinquency is in fact part of the learned cultural values rather than an anomic reaction to unattainable goals.
Criminology
Criminology is the scientific study of the nature, extent, causes, and control of criminal behavior in both the individual and in society...
, the focal concerns theory, posited in 1958 by Walter B. Miller
Walter B. Miller
Walter B. Miller, anthropologist, was one of the America's foremost authorities on youth gangs.-Early life:Born February 7, 1920, in Philadelphia, Walter Benson Miller was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Chicago with an M.A. in Anthropology, and of Harvard University with a Ph.D. in...
, attempts to explain the behavior of "members of adolescent street corner groups in lower class communities" as being based around six focal concerns: trouble, toughness, smartness, excitement, fate, autonomy. These focal concerns are described as "areas or issues which command widespread and persistent attention and a high degree of emotional involvement." Miller's theory, as it is often referred to, views these criminogenic influences as a learned part of the lower-class subculture values. In essence, the theory suggests that delinquency is in fact part of the learned cultural values rather than an anomic reaction to unattainable goals.
Further reading
- Frank, James., Stoddard, Cody., Engel, Robin. and Haas, Stephen. "Through the Court's Eyes: A New Look at Focal Concerns Theory" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology (ASC), Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA, Nov 01, 2006
. 2009-05-24
See also
- Sentencing disparitySentencing disparitySentencing disparity is defined as "a form of unequal treatment that is of often of unexplained cause and is at least incongrous, unfair and disadvantaging in consequence"...
- Core valuesCore valuesCore values may refer to:*Core values, the first value category of the value system*Core democratic values*Family values*The core values of many military organizations:**Core values of the United States Marine Corps**Core values of the United States Navy...
- Social values
- Uncertainty avoidance perspective
- Social process theory
- David Matza
External links
- Focal Concerns Theory, Criminology Wikia
- Concerning Conceptualization and Operationalization:Sentencing Data and the Focal Concerns Perspective—A Research Note, The Southwest Journal of Criminal Justice