Cultural Deviance Theory

David Kennedy, professor in the anthropology department of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York City, is the author of the book, Don’t Shoot, One Man, A Street Fellowship, and The End of Violence in Inner-City America. In his lecture to students at Millersville University Kennedy explains how he found what he saw on the streets of America to be “unconscionable” or very wrong. Over the course of many years, he observed the behavior of drug addicts and street gang members in Los Angeles, New York City, Rochester, Washington D.C. and other large cities around the country within the most dangerous neighborhoods. Kennedy has devoted his career to reducing gang violence and drug-related violence through his simple message of “this is wrong, this has to stop, and put your guns down.” He claims that his successful programs have resulted in greater than a 35 percent positive outcome of reduced crime rates. In his discussion with students of Millersville University, Kennedy explained how the Civil Rights Movement and the transformation of the late 1960’s have led to a race war between communities of the streets and Law Enforcement. He provided startling statistics to support his work that shows how the young, …show more content…
This theory combines elements of the first two theories. People living in disorganized neighborhoods under the stress of frustration and anger, create a subculture where people can form to lower class values and traditions with a unique set of rules and values. This behavior includes acting tough, taking risks, being fearless, expecting immediate gratification, and learning street-smarts. It may also included criminal behavior as a form of expression that is opposite of the conventional values of a middle-class society. These crimes may include burglary, robbery, sexual assault, weapons violence, shootings, gang wars, illegal drug trade, murder, and violence in