c&d functionalost continuation Flashcards
How does Cohen build on Durkheims theory
He argues that C&D serves as a warning device that something is wrong in society
Give 2 criticisms of Durkheims theory
- Left & right realists argue that crime is not normal but a problem
- Doesn’t consider the role of powerful groups in determining what is right or wrong
What does Merton say
people in society are encouraged to believe in the American dream. (desired life achieved through hard work) = having access to consumer goods (give e.g.)
What is there a strain between
there is a strain between what people want in life and the acceptable ways in getting it
give two strains of responses
- conformity = people accept social goals and means (qualifications) so they work hard to be successful in that way. Not leading to crime
- Innovation = people accept social goals but reject social means so they find other ways to meet material success. Some innovators will break the law to achieve this
which social class does merton say innovation is more likely to be prevelent in
Lower class individuals who struggle to get the best qualifications
Give two more strains of theory
- Ritualism = Some people are not striving for social goals because it may be out of reach/ too difficult. But they embrace social means because they have been socialised to conform. Tesco workers
- Retreatism = people that reject both social goals and means and drop out society all together. They are from any social class background but are likely to be deviant and commit crime e.g. drug use
Give the last strain
Rebellion = similar to retreatists in reject social goals and means but they set out to replace them with new ones. They are revolutionaries who want a new sort of society
Give a critisms of strain theory and one of merton
Strain = doesn't explain why people break the law in groups Merton = Marxists - everyone wants to buy consumer goods. This is not consensus of social solidarity it is serving the interests of the bourgeoisie
