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 4th -7th, 2009
Initial Research …
 Juvenile
Delinquency and
Violence: Examining International
Police and Societal Response

Crews, G. A. and Crews, A. W. (Authors) 2010
A Volume in the Advances in Police Theory and
Practices Series

CRC Press - Taylor & Francis Group

2
International Experiences
Reports
of
YOUTH
Activities
Police Raids
Confiscation
Changes in the
law
Arrests
“The
Cycle”
Mimicking of
behavior
read about
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
2000s +
Late
1990s
Early
1990s
1980s
1960s
Middle East
Eastern
/
Central
Europe
Europe
United
States
5
International Responses: In General
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
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
Many young people
emigrate out of sheer
frustration (talent is lost)
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
[email protected]/304.696.3083