durkheim functionalist theory - positive functions of crime Flashcards
what are the 2 important positive functions durkheim argues crime performs
1) boundary maintanance
2) adaptation and change
what does crime produce
a reaction from society, which unites its members in condemnation of the wrongdoer and reinforcing their commitment to the shared norms and values
what does dukrheim explain what the function of punishment
he argues that it isnt to make the the offender suffer, nor is it to remove crime from society, but to reaffirm societies shared value to reinforce social solidarity
how can society reinforce social solidarity when an offender commitsn a crime
can be done through the rituals of the courtroom, publicly shame and stigmatise the offender
what does durkheim argue all change starts with
an act of deviance
what will happen if those with new ideas are supressed
society will stagnate and be unable to make neccesary adaptice change
whats one criticsm
functions looks at what function crime serves society as a whole but ignores how it might affect different groups/individuals
what’s another criticsm
crime doesnt alwys promote solidairty
why doesnt crime always lead to solidarity
it may have the opposite effect leading to people becoming more isolated
for example, forcing women to stay indoors due to the fear of attacks
