crime - functionalism

Question 1

Which functionalist argues that crime has a positive effect?

Answer 1

Durkheim

Question 2

What does Durkheim argue crime is?

Answer 2

Inevitable and Universal

Question 3

What two reasons does Durkheim argue why crime is always present?

Answer 3

• Not everybody is effectively socialised
• Diversity of lifestyles (subcultures develop
  their own norms and values

Question 4

What does Durkheim believe modern societies have a tendency towards?

Answer 4

Normlessness or Anomie

Question 5

What does Durkheim argue that individuals becoming increasingly different weakens?

Answer 5

Shared culture or Collective conscience

Question 6

What are the four reasons Durkheim states as why crime is good for society?

Answer 6

• Boundary maintenance
• Adaption and Change
• Safety valve
• Warning light

Question 7

What is Boundary maintenance as a reason for why crime is good?

Answer 7

Crime unites members, reinforcing commitment to shared norms and values.
Punishments reaffirms shared rules, done through rituals of the courtroom: dramatise wrongdoing, publicly shame/stigmatise offender.

Question 8

What’s an example of Boundary maintenance?

Answer 8

• 2011 UK riots: people came together to clean
  up the streets after
• Manchester arena bombing: vigals

Question 9

What is an evaluation of Boundary maintenance?

Answer 9

It ignores how it may affect individuals; isn’t ‘functional’ for the victim

Question 10

What is Adaption and Change as a reason for why crime is good?

Answer 10

All change starts with an act of deviance