Essay
Marginalisation Essay Example
- Module
- Key Issues In Criminology
- Institution
- City University (City)
Essay question with a high 2nd class honours on the concept of analysing crime in relation to marginalisation.
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STUDENT NO- 210015470 MODULE CODE- SG2043Q3.
The concept of marginalization is far from a new phenomenon, managing to date back to the
1920’s. (Park, 1928). However, from the 1960’s onwards, this notion became a subject
frequently researched and spoken about. Substantial interest has been shown as to how
marginalization is a phenomenon still existing within our societies. Marginalization is a process
which has a substantial amount of reasoning as to why individuals feel disregarded and what
they do as a result of that feeling to be included in society and to leave an imprint. Therefore,
throughout this essay, the argument put forward will agree with the said statement that there
are several contrasting ways that those excluded leave their mark on the city. The essay will be
discussing the work of several sociologists as well basing it on factors such as graffiti and street
crime, the concept of gangs and social movements and protests as well as original reasoning to
further back this view.
Marginalization is a process within which individuals and groups are disregarded and excluded
from society. Reasons for this can range from socioeconomic level and status, to race and
gender. Of this, there are two main types of marginalization in everyday life. The first being
social marginalization. This is where individuals may not have the same social opportunities as
those of a higher class than them. Known as alienation, according to Marx it was brought about
by the difference in both status and wealth (Buchanan,1982, p.34). These individuals may be
excluded from the same clubs, high end shops and outings as those of an elevated class to
them. To be marginalized economically is to not have the same chances in life as those
wealthier. Those of a middle to low class may attend public schools and not get the required
grades to enter high paying jobs, and perhaps not have external contacts to ease their way into
high end jobs in contrast to those who would, which puts them at a disadvantage and thus puts
the upper class at a benefit of gaining cultural capital. There may be a difference in treatment
and equality for those of minorities and lower statuses, which in turn will cause a reaction by
those excluded into ways to let out status frustration and deprivation.
One significant way that those marginalized can leave their mark is by urban crime and culture.
This can come in many different forms such as graffiti, street crime such as vandalism and theft
and art. Sociologist Stolte believes that “Graffiti is an indication of poor behavior development.”
(Stolte 2011) individuals may decide to do graffiti on differing parts of the city, including shop
windows, walls, and tunnels. A rationale that individuals may resort to graffiti on the city to
leave their symbol is because of status frustration, and feeling as though they cannot get their
voices to be heard unless they resort to painting on the city walls. Cultural and material
deprivation also plays their part in reasoning as to why individuals have recourse to crime. This
is the inability to afford resources and have inferior norms and skills to put them to any real
benefit. According to Cohen (1956) vandalism, graffiti and fighting can be clarified due to the
existence of subcultures. Subcultures can be defined as a miniature subgroup that is within
societies and individuals. These subcultures become formed when there are similarities within
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