Cultural Conflict

1. When the norms of one group are in direct conflict with the norms of the dominant group the dominant group may see this behavior as deviant or even criminal while the person commiting the behavior may see nothing wrong with the behavior.This can occur easily when two different cultures try to coexsist without understanding of each other.

2. Since different cultures in cities tend to live in the same areas this theory is similar to the ecological theory of Ernest Burgess and Robert Park

3. Another way in which cultural conflict can develop into criminal behavior is through what is known as focal concerns . This occurs when a culture develops a lifestyle that has a focus that is very different than that of the dominant culture. Walter Miller described some of the focuses that the urban poor have in thier daily life that may conflict with dominant culture. these are listed below:
   • Trouble
   • Toughness
   • Smartness
   • Excitement
   • Fate
   • Autonomy

4. These qualities can lead members of the culture into activities that are criminal.