Focal Concerns Theory

Gabrielle Scipione

Soc 240-6

Professor Riveron

Walter B. Miller proposed the Focal Concerns Theory, which is broken down into six focal concerns. The six concerns are trouble, toughness, smartness, excitement, fate, and autonomy. These focal concerns were used to describe or understand gang delinquency in lower class neighborhoods. Miller's theory proposes the idea that this specific criminal way of life and thinking is learned through the individual's surroundings. These concerns have become more prevalent; they're not solely confined to the lower class.

The first focal concern is trouble, which simply put is the inability to stay out of trouble with the law. In some cases the individual may actually be purposely looking for trouble. The behavior of this individual tends to lead to negative altercations with law enforcement officers. Most commonly with males, "trouble" is displayed by fighting. They are always prepared to deal with the consequences if they are caught. They choose to be non-abiding citizens of the law.

The second focal concern is toughness, which most commonly is displayed physically. The individual gives off a vibe of strong masculinity, they're usually muscular or tattooed, and outwardly uninterested in anything "un-manly". They must come off as hard, brave, and emotionless. They are expected to hide their true feelings and act like they dislike anything to do with the arts or reading. They are always ready for a fight, and when they do fight they must be skillful. Most will objectify women and

reject homosexuality because anything that is feminine is deemed unacceptable to someone of this nature. These individuals are expected to engage in roughhousing types of reckless behavior.

The third concern is smartness; this is having the ability to outsmart anyone who attempts to pull one over on them. The ability to see a con or scam coming before anyone else does lies under this category. The individual uses this concern for self-beneficial reasons, whether it is for money or one's own pride and status. In the lower class neighborhoods, younger children practice duping through card games, gambling and making bets. This is seen as one of the very important skills to acquire to be considered "successful" on the streets.

The fourth focal concern is excitement. This is the concept that people are looking for ways to make their monotonous daily routines more interesting. These types of people take more risks and may even put themselves into danger to get the thrills that they seek. Much of the time this excitement is found through partying, sex, and drinking alcohol. This would be referred to as the "night on the town" concept. Men will go to different bars or clubs and make various