Differential association theory, in both groups the saints and the roughnecks they displayed this theory. They acted out their deviance to be part of their groups. This is very common among high school age children. Sometimes called peer pressure. They need to belong to their friends and unfortunately their fun was illegal acts. I myself can relate to this situation. There were probably things that I would not have done when I was younger if it hadn’t been for my friends. It makes me wonder about the roughnecks, especially the ones who went on to prison that if they had not been friends with the group would their path have stayed the same?
Social Class, The social class had a lot to do with the outcomes of the boys. Starting with the Saints They came from upper middle class families. They had access to money and cars this helped out their deviance very much. They were able to lea
Labeling theory, this is the main theme discussed in this study of the two groups. The saint was the label given to the upper class boys. Saints are good people, saints do nothing wrong. I this case the saints were trouble makers but no one could see past their labels. They were the “good” kids, smart and headed to be prominent members of society. Their labels assured their success beyond high school they went on to be the kind of citizens everyone knew they would be. The roughnecks’ future was also determined by their labels they couldn’t escape it. The way everyone else perceived them permeated who they were or could have been. How others saw them became their self image. Their label as well as the saint’s pretty much stayed with the for the rest of their lives.
Even though it seems the saints took part in much more deviant acts the roughnecks were put at an unfair disa
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