Herbert Marcuse: One Dimensional Man

Herbert Marc recitation One Dimensional existenceThis thinking paper allow examine Brookfields interpretations of the above article, and endeavour to explain from the empirical writings of Herbert Marc give, his cerebrations on emancipating Ideological beliefs and encouraging Liberation. Marc social occasion beliefs highlighted further what he saw was a One Dimensional night club with completely a One Dimensional Thought. Their way or the high way This predisposes ch all toldenges in these favorable movements to beleaguer oppression and thus encourage Liberation, in a genuine tenderist society.Although Marcuses writings signify he was a fan of elements to Marxs Ideology, he also set up Marx, in his day, was non a true libertarian who did non consider or connect himself with the individual. As a root, if Marxs possible action was to continue to re primary(prenominal) credible, Marcuse decided to go as a catalyst for the reassessing and re-examination of oppositional aff ectionate movements in combating oppression and domination.His movement directed us with 3 path slipway Rebellious subjectivity, liberating tolerance and Conceptual thought in fineity, from the perspectives of reassessing Marxism and in the practices of bounteous Education. Marcuse, found the fancy of socialism, to be the most important bother, which precipitated and gave rise to his movement. He felt the concept of socialism had taken Marxs theory and graveled it to become more focussed on the development of the productive forces Capitalisation and promotion of eruditeness as a commodity, into a nonher(prenominal) higher productive society which alienated and isolated individuals. Furthering his view, this could generate vital dispositions which he termed as mal theme subjectivity. To alleviate rebellious subjectivity, encouraging liberation of aesthetics from the demands of capitalism at bottom schoolrooms, adult educators endeavour daily to effect conducive learning environments Ultimately inspiring liberation in a genuine socialist society today Concurring with Brookfields resonation to Marcuses idea of repressive tolerance, diversity in education could be construed as the predominate ending appearing to be more open to the learners gos, when in fact it is a refined way of reasserting its find over public discourse remoulding the junior and leaving certificates and with the introduction of CAS (common awards system) in 2010, into adult education. We tail, as adults be resistant to change but we also cognize manipulation. Thus surmising as adult educators, in the field, we need to vitally be very c befully in our classrooms tooIn the practice of liberating tolerance, Marcuse identified to be inclusive, fair and equal to all running discussions, listen to the comp iodinnt part of the learner and developing curricula to accommodate different learning flares, was of paramount importance in captious adult education. However, is thi s really in existence and to what level of acceptance is it? Brookfield highlighted Marcuses disagreement for those who did possess radical opinions and rebellious perspectives and argued that much(prenominal) tolerance is repressive, not liberating. (Brookfield, 2002) Although concurring with the majority of the publications and Marcuses ideas, as an advocate of listening to the voice of the learners, with the freedom to express their viewpoints, are educators allowing this to selfishly improve their own practices? However, I too am move to the tune of roughbody elses fiddle, by issuing a disciplinary for time keeping, attendance, disruptive behaviours. Could this not subtly be perceived as a contradiction to my beliefs, reasserting control over public discourse too, and compress freedom more and more? Unwittingly serving to reinforce an unfair status quo (Brookfield, 2002) concluding that dominant mainstream perspectives til now overshadow the minority in practiceLastly, Br ookfield followed the writings of Newman and his view on conceptual thought in Criticality. Newman(1994) states that critical thinking is ab let on laying blame and defining enemies, both are necessity precursors to informed social change. (Brookfield, 2002). It buttocks be argued that to liberate learners, accountability and ownersarticulatio coxae are crucial to develop individual demonstrable visions. Yes, criticality can be both positive and negative. Negative feedback in the classroom can motivate learners Concurring with Marcuse, in parade to truly feel great liberation, we need to land great refusal. We get knocked down, but we get back up again Onwards, upwards and forwards modify and liberation does not happen without the forwards. However, in general, adults are not always receiving of constructive criticism, previous experiences can cloud judgements Brookfield states that Marcuse is at odds with those adult educators who emphasize that the road of criticality begi ns with examining the specific experiences of adult learners. (Brookfield, 2002). On the other hand, it can be argued that this view is crucial in criticality in outrank to change the learners to self-correct.ReferencesBrookfield, S., 2002. Reassessing Subjectivity, Criticality, and Inclusivity Marcuses Challenge to Adult Education. Adult Education Quarterly, 52(4), p. 274.Brookfield, S., 2002. Reassessing Subjectivity, Criticality, and Inclusivity Marcuses Challenge to Adult Education. Adult Education Quarterly, 52(4), pp. 265-280.Brookfield, S., 2002. Reassessing Subjectivity, Criticality, and Inclusivity Marcuses Challenge to Adult Education. Adult Education Quarterly, 52(4), p. 271.Brookfield, S. D., 2005. Critical Theory for Adult Learning and Teaching. Berkshire Open University Press.Brookfield, S. D., 2005. Learning Liberation. In Critical Theory for Adult Learning and Teaching. Berkshire Open University Press, p. 182.Graham Cagney, A., 2016. Reading No. 10 Marcuse on Liber ation, Waterford s.n.Does renal pelvis Hop Culture Influence Youth confederacys?Does rosehip Hop Culture Influence Youth cabals?Gang violence and the use of lashing weapons assume been highlighted by the media recently. The government adopt initiated aims in establish to tick and deal with cabal violence in the United Kingdom. In order deal with this issue, influencing brokers have been acknowledged. This question searchs the supposed influence that the hip record skip farming has on new-fangled males engaged in aggroups, and their willingness to use uncivilised weapons. a systematic review of the literary productions and a qualitative inwardness analysis of quartet shouts lyrics have confirmed that at that place are themes which are consistent with the attitudes and behaviours that young battalion express payable to the music they listen to.A significant proportion of the literature that surround young state and jejuneness lots in the UK focuses on pos session and use of weapons (e.g. Bullock and Tilley, 2002 Bennett and Holloway, 2004b Marshall et al, 2005). look into by Lemos (2004) found that well-nigh young tribe were resemblingly to delight weapons through fear of cosmos approach pathed by other syndicate members or more worryingly because they associated it with being cool. This was also reflected in Kinsellas (2011) report for the government, following the finish up of her brother Ben during a knife attack in 2008. Through visiting several projects across the country, Kinsella found 2 prominent motivational factors that were highlighted in each project. Those were fear and fashion. Some young masses in the projects explained that they carried knives because they feared that others were also weapons, and so felt it necessary to carry knifes as a method of self- valueion.Chapter 1IntroductionYouth halos and the attitudes and behaviours of young males have been a major issue in the United Kingdom. Researches and t heories have been act uped in order to evaluate the emergence of young person street caboodles. The murders of innocent young people in the last decade have urged the government and academics to conduct reports and search on camp and stead principle ingroup feuds. imputable to an adjoin of doughnut violence the government introduced the Gang Injunction within the legal philosophy and annoyance Act 2009. The halo Injunction is aimed at preventing young people from lovable in, encouraging and assisting annulus cogitate violence (Home Office). Research from the connectednesss of Chief Police Officers (2007) and Pickle (2009) show that apart from gang members being involved in gangs, they are also engaging in the use and possession of baseless weapons. rosehip record hop artists have been criticised by politicians and the media for influencing young males to engage in violent behaviour. However this idea is not supported by search and can be rejected, because when c omputeing at search from government reports and academics there is no licence to support the idea that hip hop influencing young males behaviour and attitudes. However interrogation from Kubrin (2005) and Miranda and Claes (2004) who are both Canadian and American, suggest that around of the themes in hip hop are reflected in the behaviour of young males. So therefore there is a carnal knowledgeship between hip hop and young males, but unfortunately this interrogation has not been conducted in the United Kingdom.In the response to the escape of research on the link between hip hop and youth gangs and violence, the aim of this admit is to the get along the research questionYouth Gangs Does the Hip Hop culture Influence Young Males in the UK to join forces Street Gangs and the Use of Violent Weapons?In order to answer this research question and to find out whether there is a link between youth gangs and hip hop culture, this research will explore if the use and possession of violent weapons is really glamorised by hip hop, or whether the claims by the government and media are unfairified. The main aims in this research are toFind out if beliefs, attitudes and behaviours of young gang members can be attributed to the lifestyle portrayed by hip hop artists.Establish where prominent behaviours in the literature, song lyrics and images of hip hop artists can be associated with the influence of violent weaponsApply theory to the attitudes, behaviours and the prominent themes associated with gangs in order to provide a more holistic approach.These aims will be conducted through a discussion of literature from books, journals, government reports, newspapers and media articles. A content analysis will be conducted on hip hop (Grime UK) song that young males whitethorn listen to, and a semiotic analysis on images of hip hop artists. Chapter 2 of this research provides a literature review looking into the problems with gang definition, the UK new gang culture , the land of gangs, gang membership, the possession and use of violent weapons and the hip hop culture and the influence of hip hop. Chapter 3 focuses on the methodology and outlines the approach that has been conducted during the research process. The research formulate and the analyses are overwhelmd in this chapter, alongside the ethical considerations. Chapter 4 discusses and evaluates the analysis of the hip hop song lyrics, the signs that images from hip hop portray using a semiotic approach and and so finally the themes that emerged from the literature and lyrics. These three themes are drug dealing, which is discussed in simile to rational choice theory, strain theory and differential association theory. The second theme is street believability and this is discussed in relation to social identity theory and masculine theories. The final theme is the Territorial post code wars, this theme is discussed in relation to social capital theory and social learning theory.Chap ter 2 literature ReviewThis chapter will be exploring the literature touch young males, gangs, violence and weapons. As well as the influence the hip hop culture can have on these young males. incompatible literature such as books, journals, government reports, newspaper articles and research studies will be examined and reviewed in order to view the current state of gang culture and violence in the UK. The following issues will be discussed in order to examine relevant literature on the study. Gang definition, the UK gang culture, gang membership, and the background of gangs in general, the possession and use of violent weapons and finally the influence of hip hop culture on young people.The problem with definitionThe term Gang has had somewhat issues surrounding its definition, and this is a problem that carcass dominant within the UK based literature. The definition of the term has been mainly positive with reference to American gang culture. Some theorists argued that a ne w definition of the term gang should be given for the new gang culture in the UK. The reason behind some definitions given to describe the gang culture in America was investigated by Ball and Curry (1995) they believed that although it is easy to identify a gang, the real issue arises when attempting to create a definition. After engaging in a lengthy linguistic analysis of dissimilar ways to define gang, they proposed that gang definitions would do better to focus on the abstract, formal characteristics of the phenomenon preferably than connotative, normative content (Ball Curry, 1995240).Ball and Curry (1995) also stated that old definitions for the term are acceptable but ascribable to the frequent changes in sociological, political and cultural changes it is important to have a new definition for the term, because the changes may affect the phenomenon of gang culture. Despite the need for a current definition, government and academic organisations believe that a fixed defini tion is essential in order to develop further research into gangs. For example the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) stated that it was unenviable to check over the proportion of crime that contributed to gangs, because the agreed definition of gangs on the selective information base was non-existent (ACPO, 200714). The Metropolitan Police Service (2008) also identified several other factors that divide a gang from relatively small, unorganised and transient peer groups. These factors include names, an organisable structure, and the use of violence and ramshackle behaviour to promote group identity and to acquire social capital (Metropolitan Police Service, 2007 21)The UK New Gang CultureThe media, government and professional academics have all raised their concerns about the growing perception of gang culture in the UK. The media frequently report criminal activity, and in response some academics have argued that the media sensationalises the gang problem in the UK (A lexander, 20084). Other academics such as Bullock and Tiley (2002) have also suggested that the need to deduce and tackle the gang violence is more important instead of sectionalising gang violence. Following the medias numerous reports regarding the increase in high profile gang related crimes since 2007, Heale (2008) stated that youth gangs have been frequently highlighted in the media. The fatal shooting of an innocent five year old girl in Stockwell in 2012, Is another incident that caught the medias attention. Thusha Kamaleswaran was left permanently paralysed after a gang related shooting occurred at her aunts store ( wire, 2012). The media suggested that the shooting was linked to youth gang violence the metropolitan police force gave a control stating, It is believed 2 b deficiency youths ran into the shop before shots were fired. Peter Robbins who is the counsellor from Lambeth council also gave a statement, there is a reasonably well known problem with gangs and ato m smashers in Lambeth (Daily Mail, 2012).Gangs are not only running into shops and causing brand to innocent individuals, they are also engaging in the American style drive by shootings. For example, the Telegraph (2011) reported a drive by shooting in west capital of the United Kingdom which injured three teenage girls and left one girl in critical condition. These shootings also attracted the media and public attention and the they believed that the American style drive by shootings performed by UK gangs where indeed becoming a lot more like the American gangs. Academics have criticised the media notwithstanding there being evidence of growing youth violence fetching place in the UK, academics believe that the media solely focuses on the dramatic consequences of gang violence, instead of how it can be prevented and tackled (Fitch, 2009 2).Deuchar (2008) suggested that the majority of gang members tend to predominantly be from black or ethnic minority groups, despite this sugges tion Bennett and Holloway (2004a 319) found that the majority of gang members were white, followed by Caribbean and Bangladeshi. Due to this inconsistency in literature surrounding the race and ethnic minority of gang members, it is clear that the race and ethnicity of gang members is not an important factor in researching gangs. So therefore this study will not focus on race and ethnicity. alternatively this study will focus on why young people join gangs and the characteristics of gang members. solid groundStudies and research where conducted in order to give an insight into the increase of gang membership. Bennett and Holloway (2004a 305) found evidence from governments reports, newspapers, local anesthetic agencies and national bodies that suggested gangs in the UK and the number of gang members where increasing. Bennett and Holloway (2004a) argued that with the obvious increase in violent weapons and the possessions and the use of guns, the British gangs where not that differen t to the American stereotype that the UK often rejected. Research into gangs in America could not be speak to the rising youth gang culture in Britain, despite the early research into gangs and youth groups. Subculture theorists in America have largely focused on the study of youth groups and gangs for almost over a century. Research into gangs in America mainly focused on the lettuce city, which is a research that has provided what is known as the early study into the gang culture phenomena. After the research in Chicago gang culture, subculture theorist Merton began his research into delinquent groups, with the help of Cohen (1955) and Cloward and Ohlin (1961). Mertons (1938) research on the Social structure and anomy thesis anticipated that the American Dream was at the forefront of all(prenominal) individuals aspirations in life. But not every individual would be able to acquire this. For example education was only feelerible to some people and this led to anomie. Also dev iant behaviours such as violence and petty crimes amongst young workings class males who were most affect were caused by the feeling of strain. Cohen (1955 66) extended the concept of social structure and anomie by explaining that in order to explain non instrumental vandalism and violence was due to status licking. He stated that the individuals who felt frustrated would, gravitate towards one another to establish new norms and new criteria of status, and this would then form a delinquent subculture. This statement was further extended by Cloward and Ohlin (19611), they believed that every individual had access to legitimate and illegitimate opportunities and suggested three types of subculture. The retreatist subculture which fails to find legitimate or illegitimate federal agency in order to succeed, so therefore the individual turns to alcohol or drug abuse while the conflict subculture is when individuals use manipulation of violence as a way of winning status. The criminal subculture describes a group of individuals who intrust on theft and extortion as a means of getting income. The subculture that is most relevant to this research on the young males and the influence of hip hop is the Conflict subculture.Downes (1966) systematic review found no evidence that Cloward and Ohlin (1961) retreats, conflict and criminal subcultures existed in the UK because the young males lacked structured cohesion that the American gangs boasted about. Cohen (1955) notion of status frustration was criticised by Downes who believed that by Cohen conducting his research in only one borough meant that his determinations may not be generalised to the rest of the UK. Despite this Downes concluded that the research into gang delinquency in the UK is a reflection of its absence seizure (Downes, 1966116). In addition to this Campbell et al (1989) believed that the gang notion belonged to America, whilst the subculture notion belonged to the UK. As a result of this Campbell et al (1982) felt that a separate definition and research for youth gangs in the UK would need to be developed in order to provide a better framework for future research into gangs Campbell et al, 1989 276)Gang social stationIt is believed that young people especially males are known to join gang memberships for different psychological or social reasons (Bennett and Holloway, 2004a 307). Some of the psychological reasons for young people joining gangs are believed to be because they have a desire for money, to gain status and respect from other gang members and the feeling of being protected and having a connection within the gang membership. Psychological reasons for young people joining gangs usually develop from lack of effective support from their parents, family, teachers and the police (Harris et al, 2001 9). Sociological reasons have been heavily focused on in toll of explaining gang membership. Research by the NASUWT Teachers union (2008) found that if there is an absence or lack of positive role models in a young individuals life, then in order to build a social identity they will look towards accessible role models. Also the study found that young people from broken families where a father figure was not state are more probable to look up to individuals in gangs or family members involved in gang memberships (NASUWT Teachers union, 2008 11). Wood and Alleyne (2009) found evidence that gang membership gives young people a chance to acquire powerful status amongst their friends, opportunity for vehemence especially if they live a boring life. Protection from other gang members and most importantly it twirls social support that is lacking in young peoples lives from their family. Whereas Marshall et al (2005) suggests that the reason for young people engaging in gang membership is due to their exclusion and alienation from mainstream society, particularly education and employment. Whilst most theorists offer an explanation as to why young people joi n gangs, they have failed to outline the specific features and characteristics of gang members. Evidence from Bennett and Holloway (2004a) suggests that gang members tend to me male, involved in drug taking and supplying, more likely to carry weapons and are criminally active.Possession and the violent use of weaponsThere are various literatures that focus on youth gangs and the use of violent weapons amongst young people in the UK. Lemos (2004) report on Fear and personal manner The use of knives and other weapons by young people believed that most young people were more likely to carry violent weapons due to the fear of being attacked by other young individuals or just because they believed that carrying a violent weapon made them look cool. The home office affairs select commission published a knife crime report which investigated the levels and causes of knife crime and the attitudes of the offenders. injure crime has been and still is a persistent and worrying concern that h as a huge impact on young people in the UK. During June 2012 there were approximately 29,513 recorded offences involving knives and other sharp instruments, accounting for 7% of selected offences (Berman Knife Crime Statistics, 2012).In the UK more than 70 teenagers were violently killed by the use of violent weapons. Majority of these deaths were gang related violences. In 2008 gang and knife crime were regularly featured in the media headlines, these crimes were mapped out in various locations around the UK, but London suffered the highest number of crime amongst young people. Dr Bob Golding, who is a criminal arbitrator lecturer at the university of Portsmouth, stated that knife crime is simply a symptom you have associated with this a development of gang culture (Golding, BBC News 2008). The possession and the use of violent weapons were also reflected in Brooke Kinsellas (2011) Tackling Knife Crime Together report. Kinsella report was conducted following the death of her broth er in a knife attack in 2008. The report also gave the public an insight into the seriousness of violent weapon crimes. Kinsella found that motivational factors influence young people into carrying violent weapons, these two factors were fear and fashion. In the report it was also find that youths reasons for carrying weapons was due to the fear of being attacked by other individuals, so therefore they felt the need to protect themselves. The reason that was more worrying was the need to be in possession of violent weapons because they believed it was fashionable or a cool thing to do (Kinsella, 2011 2). Recently the media reported two incidents that allegedly occurred with five hours. The first incident was the shooting of a 19 year old male in Clapton, east London and the stabbing of a 16 year old male in Wandsworth, south west London. Although the police believe that these crimes where not linked to gangs, it just shows the frequent use of violent weapons within the community. ( BBC, 2013)Although it is difficult to determine the link between violent weapon crimes and gangs, recent research into gangs has noted the relationship between firearms and gangs (Squires et al, 2008). A research report was carried out by Bullock and Tilley (2002), they found that 60% of firearm crimes can be linked to gangs meanwhile the Home Office 2009/2010 reported 5% increase of injuries as a result of firearms. In order for the government to tackle the possession and use of violent weapons, they need to establish the main reasons why young people engage in violent weapons. As this could enable them or it could be a starting point for them to limit gang violence.The Hip Hop Culture and the Influence of Hip HopHip hop today is known as a cultural reform and social reconstruction. Hip hop first developed in the drug infested gang streets of the Bronx in New York City. away from the glamorous and provocative nature of hip hop, it is mainly associated with and for freedom, peace, equality and social harmony. Alongside creating a flourishing industry hip hop also gave ethnic minorities in America a chance to voice their opinions internationally, a complaisant rights movement that is still relevant today. Price (20061) defines hip hop as a liberation movement in the form of a diverse culture, it was a next generation civil (human) rights movement sparked by ostracized, marginalized and oppressed inner- city youths. Hip hop culture has grown to represent urban, rural, suburban and global communities of all ages, genders, religions and races.One main factor that is mainly held responsible for the increase in gang violence is the hip hop culture. It is believed that the hip hop has a negative influence on young people. David Blunkett reportedly made a statement about gang violence, stating idiots like so solid crew are glorifying gun culture and violence. This statement was made a year after one of the members from So Solid Crew Ashley Walters was sentenced to 18 months for the possession of a firearm (Telegraph, Sally Pook 2003). David Cameroon also voiced his opinions on violent music. In the British society (2006) he asked BBC radio station 1, do you realise some of the stuff you play on Saturday nights encourages people to carry guns and knives?Despite the perception that the hip hop culture glamorises gang and violence, there is very little research on this concept. United Kingdom based research has dismissed the concept that hip hop influences young males into gangs and violent weapon. Hallsworth and Silverstone (2009 362) suggested that style and music do not define the relationships between the individuals and the violence that they do, or the weapon they carry. There is no empirical support for the statement however they do believe that those who carry weapons tend to imitate the American hip hop style by carrying guns. Well-known hip hop artists spoke about the comparison between hip hop and the trend of violence amongst young p eople in the communities. 50 Cent who has recently turned to playing and has become an entrepreneur refuted claims of there being a connection between hip hop and gun violence. He stated in his interview that his music was more a reflection of his experiences in life, rather than a glorification of assault weapons (CBS News, 2013).Hip hop and gangs have always been linked in some form. It is believed that the hip hop culture has created and influenced gang violence over the decades. Literature in the UK regarding the effect of hip hop music on young males and gangs on focuses on deviant behaviour in adolescence, whereas literature in the USA have a wider range of research and literature. Miranda and Claes (2009) researched the possible link between election of rap music and deviant behaviours such as, drug use, violence and street gang involvement amongst cut Canadian adolescents. Miranda and Claes found that despite trying to control the adolescent deviancy, a significant link can still be found between rap music and deviant behaviour. However despite their finding they did not find a link between hip hop and street gang involvement. This shows that there needs to be future research in order to come to a conclusion as to whether or not there is an association between hip hop and gang violence (Miranda and Claes, 2009).The issue of hip hop music lyrics and how they may have an effect on young people has been approached by Kubrins (2005) study. Kubrin conducted a content analysis of rap songs in America and also addressed the use of violent weapons suggesting that the gun becomes a symbol of power and a remedy for disputes (Kubrin, 2005363). Research from Miranda, Claes and Kubrin, found that young people joined street gangs in order to acquire status and a social identity, which is seen and stated in the music they listen to. Because the majority of these studies are based on American and Canadian individuals, it is possible that the findings cannot be gen eralised to gangs in the UK.Chapter 3MethodologyThis section will explain the methodological approach that this research has adopted in order to establish if the hip hop culture has an influence on youth gangs and the use of violent weapons in the UK. The method which was chosen for the purpose of this paper was desk research, sometimes known as lower-ranking information or secondary research (Bryman, 2008). This research involves join forcesing data that already exists from immanent sources, publications of governmental and non-governmental institutions, free access data from the internet, in articles, newspapers and other relevant sources (Bryman, 2008..). A systematic review of literature, a qualitative content analysis on four hip hop song lyrics, and a semiotic analysis on a hip hop image will be conducted in order to establish if a relationship between hip hop culture, youth gang and the use of violent weapons exists. At first a qualitative research was initially considere d in order to gather data and in order to answer the research question. The majority of research in to gangs and the use of violent weapons are normally conducted through qualitative surveys and interviews with current or previous gang members and offenders. These types of primary research would be dangerous and difficult to replicate as an undergraduate student.Research DesignThe research design of this study discusses the literature in the form of a systematic review. Government reports, journal articles and published texts on gangs and the use of violent weapons from the last decade have all been reviewed. Secondary data has been used to conduct this study. The secondary data has been used with caution and all literature used are from trustworthy sources. Literature based research has its strengths, and they mainly fall on the fact that the research is able to analyse data that is already available because the time consuming research has already been conducted by academics. There will be no contact with current or previous offenders who have been involved in gangs or crimes involving violent weapons, so the potential harm and risk involved in this research is minimised. However as explained by Bryman, (2008) not conducting a primary research means that there will be no control over the variables and so it is acknowledged that the grounds may be different to the present study. therefore this research has been conducted carefully in order not to manipulate the literature to support the hypothesis of the present study By conducting a content analysis of hip hop song lyrics, this study will be able to establish whether the genre of music can be held responsible for the behaviour of youth gang members or whether claims by the media are false. Out of the four songs that have been analysed, two demonstrate how the hip hop culture can influence young males, particularly in regards to joining gangs and the use of violent weapons. The two other songs acknowledge soci al exclusion as a reason for delinquency. The Song lyrics where obtained from lyric databases such as, Metro lyrics, sweet lyrics, urban lyrics and AZ lyrics. Even though the validity and reliability of these lyrics are questionable, all the songs used are from official version on YouTube, a reliable video broadcasting website. Due to the fact that majority of the songs analysed are likely to contain words and languages that are likely to be difficult to understand, a slang website called Urban Dictionary was used as a means to translate every difficult words.AnalysisKey themes have been highlighted in the literature articles through a process of thematic analysis during a systematic review. These themes include repetition, differences and similarities. The following analytical chapters will be discussing these themes in relation to theories in order to give a better understanding as to why young males may seek these identities. Firstly the song lyrics will be discussed in relation to the themes that have been highlighted through the thematic analysis. This will be done using a similar approach conducted by Kubrin (2005) study on Gangstas, Thugs, and Hustlas. Song lyrics will be discussed and the images will be discussed using a semiotic approach in order to evaluate whether or not the music that is marketed to youths encourages the use of violent weapons.This will then be followed by a discussion of the themes in relation to the literature. Theory will be included in order to provide a more holistic understanding as to why young people join youth gangs, their behaviour and attitudes. In order to identify the themes within the literature a critical discussion of the findings will provide a foundation for recommendation on future research on this topic. By using these analytical methods a detailed account of the influence the hip hop culture has on young males can be generated from the literature.Ethical ConsiderationsDue to this research being a secondary rese arch, it does involve as many ethical issues as a primary research. For example no participants will be interviewed, so there is no need for informed consents and there are no issues regarding hypocrisy and invasion of privacy. Also there is no need to consider data protection or terminal because the research studies reports are available and have been published for public viewing. The following ethical considerations from the British Society of Criminology (BSC) Code of Ethics have been considered and relate to this research. As mentioned at the beginning of this chapter, there will be no contact with previous or current gang members so the emotional and physical public assistance of the research worker will be maintained (BSC 3 iii). As the BSC states, researchers should promote equal opportunity in all aspects of their professional work and actively seek to avoid discriminatory behaviour (BSC, 3 iv).Whilst doing this research every effort has been made not to address young ma le gang members in footing of age, and racial or ethnic group sensitively and to use non-biased language. Also this research has made every effort not to disrespect the views and beliefs of young gang members, as one of the aims for this dissertation is to focus on developing a theoretical and holistic understanding of the behaviour of gang members. Also the views and beliefs of the gang members have not been disrespected whilst conducting a systematic review of the literature and analysing the literature through the themes that developed in the content analysis, alongside the arguments for and against hip hop culture influencing violence, the use and possession of violent weapons. Research studies by academics include young gang members who have consented to taking part in a published research study, so it is believed that any data from interviews conducted in previous reports are acceptable to use for secondary data. This therefore means that the ethical code (4 iii) will not be breached. However, if an entire data set was used for the present research, a Research Ethics Committee would have been required to conduct an expedited review (Economic and Social Research Council).Because this is a secondary research one of the major limitations is that some sources, especially internet sources may not be reliable, so a serious amount of importance was placed when using reliable data and sources from the internet as well as sources where the reliability of the internet information was uncertain. In addition to this No favoured judgement has been made towards certain research findings and a conscious effort has been made by the researcher not to manipulate or misinterpret the findings to suit the research question. By doing so a one sided argumen