The concern focal theory is a set of ideas proposed by proposed by Walter B Miller in 1962 with the aim of identifying and explaining why different groups of people commit crime offenses and the reason behind their defiant behavior. The theory proposes that these particular criminal lifestyle and mentality is learned or influenced by the surroundings one is exposed to. The theory mainly focuses on individuals from a low class family background or streets. Obviously, individuals from low-class backgrounds are exposed to more strains and stressors such as financial hardships, insufficient employment opportunities, and health issues which lead to the development of violent or aggressive mindset compared to individuals from a wealthy background. Walter Miller tries to explain in this theory how this mindset causes defiance in a particular parameter among the members of the low-class in
...dividuals. The theory can be broken down into six focal concerns which are; trouble, toughness, smartness, excitement, fatalism, and autonomy. The focal concerns are described as issues and areas which command widespread and persistent attention.
The first focal concern is trouble. Trouble is simply defined as to agitate or put something or someone under distress. Youth from low-class backgrounds find it difficult to stay out of trouble with the law due to their actions which can be intentional or compulsive. For them, getting into trouble is routine and behavioral as is trying to stay out of trouble. Among boys, trouble is exhibited through frequent fights with no concern with getting in trouble with law enforcement officers.
The second focal concern in the theory is the element of toughness which is exhibited through physical prowess and bravery. Men who consider themselves
tough display outward vibe of toughness from the way they look and dress. Masculinity, endurance, and strength can be expressed through large tattoos and objection of anything that is deemed feminine and unmanly for example homosexuality and expression of feelings and emotions.
The third issue of concern for the theory is the element of smartness. Smartness can simply be put as streetwise, to mean the ability to outsmart a foe for beneficial purpose or simply for pride and reputation. Men from low less privileged neighborhoods learn the art of outsmarting other men from their tender ages through practices such as gambling, betting and card games. Being streetwise is a highly regarded skill in the low-class neighborhoods for one to be successful in those streets.
The fourth focal concern is the issue of excitement. This may involve engagement in dangerous activities such as drinking, drug abuse, and unsafe sex, in search of thrills and satisfaction obtained by engaging in such reckless behaviors and activities. Risk taking in dangerous activities is seen in the low-class neighborhoods as manly and earns one respect in the streets.
The fifth area of concern focal theory is the concept of fate. Fate or fatalism refers to believe that all events are predetermined and therefore cannot be avoided. The youth from low-class neighborhoods have developed this kind of mentality as an excuse to lead unhealthy lifestyles in the belief that they are not in control of the outcomes of their actions. This is especially evident in the kind of risky means of earning livelihoods youth in these neighborhoods engage in for example robbery and drug dealing.
The final issue of concern focal theory is the concept
of autonomy. Autonomy focuses on the freedom of one to decide and make their own life’s decisions free of external influences. Low-class neighborhood youths are known to be very resentful to the control of authorities and even other individuals making decisions on their behalf. (Williams III, F. P., & McShane, M. D. 2010)
In conclusion, the c oncern focal theory has proved to be an effective tool in explaining how and why different groups of people commit the crime in the society. However, the approach has been criticized for ignoring females and middle-class youth. It has also been questioned for assuming all lower working class youth adopt “focal concerns.”
Focal concern in “Carlito’s way”
The concern focal theory that is majorly portrayed in the film “Carlito’s way” is trouble. At the beginning of the movie, Carlito is freed from prison, and he is determined not to fall back to the criminal activities that landed him in jail. However, due to circumstances and bad luck, he always seems to find himself in the wrong place in trouble with the wrong people.
After getting involved involuntarily in a drug deal gone awry where his cousin gets killed, he is forced to fight his way out of the situation. He also realizes the local District Attorney is determined to put him back in prison. His decision to let Benny go after love triangle involving Kleinfield causes him to lose the trust of his bodyguard. Kleinfeld also sets him up leading to his apprehension by the police. His attempts to escape to Florida with his pregnant girlfriend fails after he gets ambushed by a group of mobsters, and later Vinny shot him several
times killing him.
Reference
- Williams III, F. P., & McShane, M. D. (2010). Criminology theory: Selected classic readings. Routledge.
