2.1 functionalist, strain and subcultural theories Flashcards
durkheim’s functionalist theory
what are the two different views functionalists have on crime?
- too much crime destablises society
- crime is inevitable and universal
durkheim’s functionalist theory
2 of the reasons why crime and deviance are found in all societies
- not everyone is socialised equally effectively into societies norms and values
- different groups develop their own subcultures and distinctive norms and values, which mainstream culture may see as deviant
durkheim’s functionalist theory
according to durkheim, why are societies becoming anomie (normless)
- the division of labour has become for complex and specialised, leading individuals to become more and more different from one another
durkheim’s functionalist theory
what 2 positive functions does durkheim believe crime fulfills?
- boundary maintenance- reaction from public to crime unites it’s members in condemnation
- adaptation and change- new ideas start with acts of deviance: not stifled by the weight of social control
durkheim’s functionalist theory
consequence of too much crime
tears the bonds of society
durkheim’s functionalist theory
consequence of too little crime
society is repressing and controlling its members too much- preventing change
durkheim’s functionalist theory
other positive functions of crime and deviance
* safety valve:
prostitution- the release of men’s sexual fustrations without causing harm to the monogomous nuclear family
pornography- channels sexual desires away from adultery
* warning device:
* deviance is a warning- that an institution isn’t functioning properly
durkheim’s functionalist theory
kai erikson argues that deviance is actually promoted by society- how?
- institutions such as the police may actually be to sustain a certain level of crime
durkheim’s functionalist theory
how does society manage crime and deviance rather than eliminating it?
things like festivals and sport licence misbehaviour which would be punished in other contexts
durkheim’s functionalist theory
criticisms of durkheim’s functionalist theory
- no way of knowing how much crime is right
- yes crime serves functions, but that isn’t why is exists
- crime doesn’t always promote solidarity
durkheim’s functionalist theory
evaluation:strengtrh of functionalist view (why is it useful)
- shows how deviance is necessary in society, and that is has hidden functions for society
durkheim’s functionalist theory
evaluation: weaknesses of durkheim’s functionalist theory
- no way of knowing what is the right amount “too much or too little is bad”
- not functional for everyone e.g. the victim
- doesn’t always promote solidarity
merton’s strain theory
what is merton’s strain theory
the idea that people engage in crime and deviance as a means of achieving socially approved goals that they are unable to reach by legitimate means
merton’s strain theory
what 2 elements does merton’s strain theory focus on?
- structural factors- society’s unequal opportunity structure
- cultural factors- strong emphasis on success goals, weak emphasis on how to achieve them
merton’s strain theory
what is the “ideology” of the american dream
- work hard—> goal pursued (meritocracy)
merton’s strain theory
how does the strain between the cultural goals of money and success but lack of opportunities occur?
- disadvantaged gorups are denied the opportunity to achieve equally
- leading to pressure to achieve through illegitmate means
- winning the goal become more important that playing by the rulez
merton’s strain theory
what are the 5 responses to the strain that individuals face? (hint: can i recieve red roses?)
- conformity- accept culturally aproved goals, strive to do so legitimately
- innovation- accept goal, find new illegitimate ways to achieve
- ritualism- give up on goal, follow rules
- retreatism- reject goals and legitimate means, drop outs
- rebellion- reject goals, replace with new ones in desire to change society
merton’s strain theory
evaluation: strength of merton’s strain theory
- explains americas crime statistics
- most of americas crime is property crime- bc american society values wealth and materialism
- lower classes more likely to commit as they have less opportunity to achieve goals
merton’s strain theory
evaluation: weaknesses of merton’s strain theory
- marxists- ignores power of ruling class to enforce laws that effect poor and not rich
- assumes value consensus- not everyone strives for money success
- doesn’t account for violent “meaningless” crimes
- not all working class people who experience strain deviate- over representative
