Durkheim Func

Question 1

What are the main points of Durkheim?

Answer 1

Suggests crime is a normal part of healthy society and performs function for society

Optimal amount of crime for society to function

Crime performs both positive and negative functions

Question 2

Points on boundary maintenance?

Answer 2

Criminal and deviant behaviour helps reinforce value consensus of society

Behaviours help reinforce people’s belief in collective conscience

Society unites to get wrongdoer- leads to collective agreement that behaviour is wrong and shouldn’t be repeated

Question 3

Example for boundary maintenance:

Answer 3

Public reaction to terrorist activities

Question 4

Explain points of adaptation and change:

Answer 4

Deviant behaviours shoe changing attitudes of population

As small groups deviate, others in society accept these behaviours as norms

As behaviours become the norm for more people, society accept change

Question 5

Example of adaptation and change:

Answer 5

Civil right movements

Began with protests and sit ins in white only establishments

Question 6

Explain other functions of crime:

Answer 6

Crime acts as a safety value- warning that issues need to be addressed

Other functionalist suggest criminal behaviour act as an release

Polsky- pornography reduce tension, no threaten to nuclear families.

Question 7

Evaluation:

Answer 7

Looks at the functions of crime served and ignores how it might affect groups and individuals

Can lead to isolation and not solidarity like women staying at home in fear of attack