1. Functionalism, Strain and Subcultural Theories

Question 1

Functionalist view of society

Answer 1

Functionalists see the aim of society as encouraging value consensus, believing that society will be harmonious and cohesive if all individuals agree on the same principles

Question 2

2 causes of crime according to Durkheim

Answer 2

Ineffective socialisation
Social change

Question 3

How did social change cause crime according to Durkheim?

Answer 3

Industrialisation brought about more individualistic lifestyles, causing many people to find it hard to comply. This resulted in anomie

Question 4

What are the 4 functions of a moderate level of crime according to Durkheim?

Answer 4

Reaffirms moral boundaries
Encourages social change
Acts as a safety value (Davis)
Acts as a warning device that an aspect of society is dysfunctional (Cohen)

Question 5

2 strengths of Durkhiem’s approach to crime

Answer 5

Provides a social explanation for crime, rather than saying it’s genetic or psychological
Shows that crime levels can be controlled

Question 6

2 limitations of Durkheim’s approach to crime

Answer 6

Fails to explain why some individuals are more likely to turn to crime
Marxists believe he fails to acknowledge how criminal laws are made to benefit powerful social groups

Question 7

Who developed the Strain Theory?

Answer 7

Merton

Question 8

What does Merton’s strain theory state?

Answer 8

Crime is due to structural inequality (unequal opportunities). Where there is structural inequality in society, the opportunity to achieve culturally approved goals placed greater strain on individuals to achieve them, which can lead to anomie

Question 9

Strength of Merton’s strain theory

Answer 9

Explains high level of w/c crime

Question 10

2 limitations of Merton’s strain theory

Answer 10

Exaggerates w/c crime and ignores crimes of the powerful
Fails to explain criminals acts that have just been committed for fun

Question 11

Who developed status frustration?

Answer 11

Cohen

Question 12

Cohen’s criticism of Merton’s strain theory

Answer 12

Believes Merton ignores crimes committed in groups and crimes that have been committed for reasons other than monetary gain

Question 13

Cohen’s status frustration

Answer 13

All youngsters strive for status and recognition which they can get from success in the goals of society.
Lower class youths lack opportunity of accessing material goals, leading to status frustration.
Leads to adaptation of alternative status system, which could lead to crimes

Question 14

Limitation of Cohen’s status frustration

Answer 14

Focuses only on w/c males

Question 15

Who developed illegitimate opportinity structure?

Answer 15

Cloward and Ohlin

Question 16

Cloward and Ohlin’s illegitimate opportunity structure

Answer 16

Because material wealth was difficult to come by, some groups saw ways to develop crime as an alternative career path which might accrue significant rewards

Question 17

3 types of subcultural gang an individual can join according to Cloward and Ohlin

Answer 17

Criminal subcultures
Conflict subcultures
Retreats subcultures