Which focal concern refers to the idea of control over one’s life and destiny among individuals in lower-class subcultures?

The correct choice, autonomy, reflects the notion of control over one’s life and destiny, especially within lower-class subcultures. Autonomy is fundamentally about the ability of individuals to make choices and exert influence over their own circumstances, which is a critical aspect of self-determination. In the context of lower-class subcultures, individuals often face systemic barriers that can limit their perceived control over life outcomes. Thus, autonomy encompasses the struggles and aspirations for agency in navigating these limitations.

The other concepts, while relevant in different contexts, do not encapsulate this particular focus on individual control as directly as autonomy does. Fate typically refers to destiny determined by external forces, smartness pertains to intelligence or cunning as a survival strategy, and toughness relates to resilience or strength in confronting challenges. Each of these concepts addresses different aspects of behavior and social dynamics but does not specifically address the idea of individual control as well as autonomy does.