Ch. 2 - Explaining Deviance (Intro and Functionalist Theories) Flashcards
Why are theories necessary?
Because facts never interpret themselves.
What did early theories of deviance focus on?
The supernatural.
When did theories of deviance move on from a focus on the supernatural?
During the Enlightenment.
What is demonology?
The theory that deviance and crime resulted from demonic possession of temptation by the devil.
Are supernatural explanations done away with now?
No, the catholic church still practices exorcisms.
What did Lombroso believe?
That criminals were atavists.
What are atavists?
Evolutionary throwbacks incapable of behaving by society’s rules. Distinguished by various traits known as stigmata.
What are the two broad types of theories?
Objective and subjective.
What three types of theories are included within objective theories?
Functionalist, learning, and social control.
What are the 5 functionalist theories?
Durkheim’s Anomie, Merton’s Anomie and Strain, Cloward and Ohlin’s Differential Opportunity, Agnew’s General Strain, and Cohen’s Status Frustration.
What are the assumptions underlying functionalist theories?
The social structure creates deviance, social structures fulfil important functions and are necessary for social order, and the rules that make up social order are based on consensus.
What are the two types of functions that social structures fulfil under the functionalist assumption?
Manifest and latent.
What are manifest functions?
Intended functions.
What are latent functions?
Unintended [dys]functions.
What does Durkheim’s Anomie theory state?
A certain level of deviance is functional for society, but beyond this level it becomes dysfunctional.
[Durkheim’s Anomie] How can a certain level of deviance be functional?
By increasing social solidarity and uniting us against deviance and by determining and testing moral boundaries.
[Durkheim’s Anomie] What transition led to the creation of deviance?
As mechanical solidarity gave way to organic solidarity.
[Durkheim’s Anomie] What is mechanical vs. organic solidarity?
Mechanical solidarity involved lots of people being similar, organic solidarity is lots of people being different.
[Durkheim’s Anomie] How did the transition from mechanical to organic solidarity lead to deviance?
People’s relationships became more impersonal, this rapid social change led to anomie, which leads to harmful levels of deviance.
What is anomie?
Normlessness; lack of structure.
What are some examples of anomie?
During wartimes or after natural disasters.
What are the two key concepts for Merton’s Anomie & Strain theory?
Institutionalized goals and legitimate means.
[Merton’s Anomie & Strain] What are institutionalized goals?
Culturally identified goals for success.