Crime &deviance (functionalists theory) Flashcards
What does consensus mean give examples of the theory
Assumes social order is maintained
Functionalism
What does conflict mean give examples of the theories
Assumes society is mainly conflict ridden and unstable and emphasises social differences between groups. Marxists feminists
What is structuralist theories and which theories are
Concerned with the overall structure of society and the way institutions such as family education and media control our behaviour
Marxist and functionalist
What are social action theories (choice)
Main focus is the individual. Want to know how interactions take place between people. This is a micro approach
What is the organic theory- parsons
The body reflects society and that every body part has a function like how social institution has a function
What is parsons 2 ways to make sure value consensus is achieved
1) socialisation- through family/school individuals internalise the n&v
2)social control- positive sanctions rewards conformity and negative ones punish deviance
Mertons flaws in parsons
Parsons assumes everything in society eg family and religion is indispensable.
Parsons assumes that everything in society performs a positive function
Logical criticisms of functionalists
-outdated
-rose tinted
-is there really a vc today different in ethnicity’s
-doesn’t explain social change
-functionalists believe things exist because of their function
Conflict criticisms of functionalists
-(marxists) there is no shared values
-organic analogy assumes that society works together for the the common good
-(Marxists) argue that society is not harmonious and rather based on division
-(Marxists) believe norms and values are passed through institutions
Action perspective criticism on functionalists
-Dennis wrong says it’s too deterministic
-criticise for believing society is independent
Post modernist criticism
-society is too fragmented and diverse
-society is not stable
Mertons strain theory
Everyone in society has the shared goal however not everyone can live these goals up because of class and so people turn to crime to achieve these goals (card game where the rules no longer matter when it comes to winning)
Durkheims 4 functions
-inevitable
-universal
-relative
-functional
Positive functions of crime&deviance
Durkheim social cohesion-brings people together
Durkheim adaption and change-one person doing a deviant act for change (Rosa parks)
Davis Safety valve-pornography or violent games preventing crime
Cohen warning- that theirs a problem in society eg cost of living crisis
Criticisms of positive functions of crime
-Do all crimes have a positive function some crimes may be so harmful they will be dysfunctional
-ignores the victim
-doesn’t always promote solidarity
Responses to the strain theory
-Conformity
-innovation
-ritualism
-retreatism
-rebellion
What are the subcultures that coward and ohlin came up with
1)criminal subcultures
2)conflict subcultures
3)retreatist subcultures
