MILLER'S FOCAL CONCERNS EXPLANATION OF DEVIENCE

Miller- Lower class subculture.

Miller (1962, in Haralambos & Holborn, 1995), rejects Merton's idea of mainstream goals being achieved in alternate ways. Instead, Miller focuses on the focal concerns of lower class subculture (Haralambos & Holborn, 1995).

The following focal points of lower class sub culture have been identified:

(a) Toughness involves a concern for masculinity. It finds expression in courage in the face of physical threat and a rejection of timidity as well as weakness. In practical terms, this may involve aggression or fist fights with other pupils inside and outside the school. Through this way, the deviant maintains a reputation of toughness;

(b) Smartness -This involves the capacity to outwit, dupe 'take', 'con' another (Haralambos & Holborn, 1995). Pick pocketing and petty theft could be some of the activities associated with this aspect of lower class sub culture. Within the school environment a number of activities associated with this focal point tend to emerge; and

(c) Excitement This involves the search for thrills. This may be expressed through gambling, sexual adventure and alcohol. This search for thrills usually requires money and the activities under smartness can help in securing such financial resources.

A combination of the three focal concerns of working class subculture results in acts of deviance and delinquency among the youth.