Answer:
Step-by-step explanation
Cohen's argument about gang-related stealing is a significant contribution to the sociological study of deviant behavior. In his book "Delinquent Boys: The Culture of the Gang," Cohen argues that gang members engage in theft as a form of recreation, a means of demonstrating their skills and toughness, and a way to gain status and recognition within their peer group. This idea challenges the conventional wisdom that theft is motivated by economic need or poverty.
Regarding the idea of short-run hedonism, Cohen argues that adolescents, including gang members, tend to focus on immediate pleasure and gratification rather than long-term goals and consequences. This perspective has been influential in shaping our understanding of adolescent behavior and decision-making.
The group autonomy and attraction of gangs for adolescents can be attributed to several factors, including a sense of belonging, peer pressure, a desire for excitement and adventure, and the perceived benefits of gang membership, such as protection, money, and status. Parents and family members can help reestablish their relationships with gang-involved youth by maintaining open and non-judgmental communication, seeking professional support, and involving the youth in positive activities and alternatives to gang involvement.
Miller's theory of lower-class culture and its associated focal concerns is still relevant and widely studied today. According to Miller, lower-class individuals have unique focal concerns, such as toughness, smartness, excitement, fate, and autonomy, that are shaped by their experiences of poverty and marginalization. Whether or not one agrees with Miller's theory may depend on personal experiences and exposure to different socio-economic contexts.
The lack of a positive male role model, such as a father figure, can contribute to a male juvenile's decision to join a gang, as it may lead to a search for a sense of belonging and identity. Single mothers can take steps to minimize the likelihood of gang involvement by providing their children with positive male role models, such as mentors, coaches, or community leaders, and by engaging their children in activities and opportunities that promote positive development.
Miller's six focal concerns for lower-class adults and eight focal concerns for adolescents have been widely studied and debated in the sociological literature. The continued relevance of these focal concerns today suggests that they capture important dimensions of lower-class culture and experience. However, it is also possible that new focal concerns may have emerged in response to changes in society and the experiences of lower-class individuals over time.
Based on the theories and arguments discussed, it can be concluded that:
Gang-related theft is not solely motivated by economic need but can also be driven by social and cultural factors, such as a desire for recognition and status within a peer group.
Adolescents, including gang members, tend to focus on immediate pleasure and gratification, which can lead to risk-taking behavior.
Gangs can be attractive to adolescents for various reasons, including a sense of belonging, peer pressure, and the perceived benefits of gang membership. Parents and family members can play a crucial role in preventing gang involvement and reestablishing relationships with gang-involved youth.
Lower-class individuals have unique focal concerns shaped by their experiences of poverty and marginalization. The lack of a positive male role model can contribute to a male juvenile's decision to join a gang.
Miller's theory of lower-class culture and its associated focal concerns remains relevant and widely studied today, although it is possible that new focal concerns may have emerged over time.
It is important to note that these theories are not absolute and should be considered in light of other factors that may influence gang involvement and lower-class culture.