Youth Involvement in Alternative Subcultures Groups Belief Systems

Youth Involvement in Alternative Subcultures, Groups, Belief Systems, and Lifestyles: Examining International Police and Societal Response Dr. Gordon A. Crews, Marshall University American Society of Criminology Philadelphia, PA. November 4 th -7 th, 2009

Initial Research … n Juvenile Delinquency and Violence: Examining International Police and Societal Response n Crews, G. A. and Crews, A. W. (Authors) 2010 A Volume in the Advances in Police Theory and Practices Series n CRC Press - Taylor & Francis Group n 2

International Experiences Med ia F renz y! Police Raids Confiscation Changes in the law Arrests l a i c So ! c i n a P Reports of YOUTH Activities SO “The Cycle” CI A LF Mimicking of behavior read about EA R! Alternative Belief Systems Music Dress/ Interests 3

International Experiences: In General • External Cultural/ Social Influences • Acceptance of improper actions taken against youth • External Opportunity for Materials/ Items Internal Juvenile Interest Internal Juvenile Motivation Actions by Family and Intimate Social Groups Actions by Law Enforcement/ Government • Suppression and Repression of youth and interests 4

The Gears of Influence Time Line 2000 s + Late 1990 s Early 1990 s 1980 s 1960 s ASIA Middle Eastern / Central Europe AFRICA Scan dina Europe via United States 5

International Responses: In General Incident 1. 2. 3. 4. Incident Occurs Media Attention Public Fear/Concern Police Response Alternative Beliefs/Practices 1. 2. 3. 4. Passé Fears “NEW Fears” • Gangs • Homosexual • Predators • Satanists • Occult • Goth Isolated/Small Incident MEDIA FRENZY PUBLIC HYSTERIA MASSIVE Police Response 6

Manifestations Media Frenzy “Witch Hunting” “Moral Panic” “Political Escapism” Random: • Searches/Seizures • Raids of Homes, Clubs, and Businesses • Arrests and Detentions 7

RESULT FEAR POLICE FREEDOM Individual Rights & Protections BUT, the public accepts it!!!! 8

Emerging Issues from Improper Responses Most involved are young, wealthy, and highly educated (ability to offer much to their country) Experience official interference with their lifestyle Great source of disillusionment (coupled with stress over failure of governmental policies or lack of democracy) Undermines the public credibility of authorities E Y T LI OF F LI A QU / IN Many young people emigrate out of sheer frustration (talent is lost) N I A R A DR B 9

Any questions? 10

Contact Information for Author Gordon A. Crews, Ph. D. Professor of Criminal Justice & Criminology Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology Marshall University Huntington, West Virginia 25755 crewsg@marshall. edu/304. 696. 3083