CRIME + DEVIANCE - FUNC, NEO-FUNC, ECO Flashcards
Functionalism
Durkheim + the inevitability of crime
Why and how is crime inevitable? State two main reasons
Every known society has a level of C+D.
Durkheim believes that crime is normal and that it is ‘an integral part of all healthy societies’
- Effective socialisation is not shared by all and they may not always have the same norms and values.
- Complex modern societies mean that there is diversity in lifestyles and values
Rules that govern deviance become weaker and so anomie becomes more common. This is because in modern society, we have specialised divisions of labour which facilitates difference and weakens cultural solidarity. Anomie, in Durkheim’s view is the cause of suicide
Functionalism
Durkheim + the inevitability of crime
Positive function of crime: BOUNDARY MAINTENANCE
Durkheim believes that the reaction to crime explains the positive function of punishment – he believes that the purpose of punishment is to reaffirm society’s shared values, rules, which inevitably reinforces societal solidarity.
This can be done through courtroom rituals, which dramatize wrongdoing… could also be done through public shaming, all of which reaffirms the values of the law-abiding citizens.
This discourages people from partaking in the rule breaking.
Functionalism
Durkheim + the inevitability of crime
Positive function of crime: ADAPTION+ CHANGE
Durkheim believes all acts of change start with an act of defiance.
Those with new ideas and values must not be stifled by social control. They have to be able to challenge the norm, which creates deviance.
If those with new ideas are suppressed, then our society will stagnate. We will be unable to make adaptive changes.
Functionalism
Durkheim + the inevitability of crime
OTHER FUNCTIONS: Kingsley Davis
Kingsley Davis argues that prostitution is a safety valve for the release of men’s sexual frustrations, without threatening the monogamous nuclear family.
Functionalism
Durkheim + the inevitability of crime
OTHER FUNCTIONS: Albert Cohen
Albert Cohen believes deviance is a warning that an institution is inefficient.
E.g., high truancy suggests the educational institution is failing.
Functionalism
Durkheim + the inevitability of crime
OTHER FUNCTIONS: Kai Eriksen
Kai Erikson argues that if deviance performs a positive social function, then society is advocating for it.
He believes institutions like the police (agency of social control) are actually in place to sustain a certain level of crime.
EVALUATION OF DURKHEIM
What about the intention of crime?
Functionalists explain the existence of crimes in terms of their function, but this doesn’t mean society creates crime with the intention of strengthening solidarity etc.
EVALUATION OF DURKHEIM
Who is crime functional for?
Functionalism ignores how crime and deviance may affect particular groups (and not just society as a whole) – who is it functional for? Definitely not the victim of a murderer.
EVALUATION OF DURKHEIM
Does crime promote the said functionalist values?
Crime doesn’t always promote what it is said to by the functionalists – for example, it may actually have the opposite effect.
It leads people to become more isolated e.g., forcing women to stay inside over fear of rape (Susan Brownmiller discusses this).
MERTON’S STRAIN THEORY
Explain what strain theory means
Strain theories argue that people engage in deviant behaviour when they are unable to achieve socially approved goals through legitimate means.
There is a strain between the goal of success (money) and the legitimate means of getting there.
MERTON’S STRAIN THEORY
What are the two factors explored in strain theory?
Structural factors: society’s unequal opportunity structure.
Cultural factors: strong emphasis on success goals and weaker emphasis on using legitimate means to achieve them.
MERTON’S STRAIN THEORY
What two reasons does Merton give for explaining strain theory?
- The goals that a culture encourages individuals to achieve.
- What the institutional structure of society allows them to achieve legitimately.
MERTON’S STRAIN THEORY
American Dream - outline what it is and the potential drawbacks of it
Americans are expected to pursue this fantastical dream through legitimate means: hard work, self-discipline, educational qualifications, study.
This dream stresses the values of meritocracy and a society where anyone who makes the effort can get ahead.
The reality is fundamentally different – disadvantaged groups are denied opportunities.
The strain between the goal of money success (individual material success and high status), and the lack of legitimate opportunities to achieve mean that frustration is eminent.
MERTON’S STRAIN THEORY
American Dream - ‘strain to anomie’
Pressure increases for those to resort to illegitimate means (C+D)
Merton calls this pressure to deviate, the ‘strain to anomie’ because he believes the pressure to deviate is further increased by the fact that American culture puts more emphasis on achieving success at ANY price.
Winning the game matters more than abiding by the rules does.
MERTON’S STRAIN THEORY
Responses:
CONFORMITY
Individuals accept the culturally approved goals and strive to achieve them through legit means. Usually M.C individuals who have good opportunities to pursue them – Merton sees it typical of Americans.
MERTON’S STRAIN THEORY
Responses:
INNOVATION
Individuals accept goal of ‘money success’ but do use illegitimate means to achieve it. These are often people at the lower end of the class hierarchy – they are under greatest pressure to innovate.
MERTON’S STRAIN THEORY
Responses:
RITUALISM
Individuals give up on trying to achieve goals, and they have internalised legitimate means – they follow rules for their own sake. Typical of lower M.C people in miserable jobs.
MERTON’S STRAIN THEORY
Responses:
RETREATISM
Individuals reject both goals and legit means – they drop out. Merton describes this as ‘psychotics, outcasts, vagrants, tramps, chronic drunkards, and drug addicts’
