durkheim (functionalist theory) - structural theory

Question 1

durkheims assumptions

Answer 1

states crime occurs when the 4 main social structures do something wrong - he says they work together like a human body and when one fails the rest begin to
he also states that crime is inevitable and due to many subcultures with different values it means the rules are less clear which he called anomie

Question 2

what are the 4 main social structures that teach norms and values

Answer 2

-family - they teach you right from wrong and how you act, its your primary socialisation
-education - responsible for education, norms and values and being part of community
-religion - teaches you moral values and being part of a community
-media - reminder of what happens when you commit a crime or do wrong

Question 3

how can the social structures lead to cime

Answer 3

-family - if they don’t correctly teach you morals and values
-education - if there is challenges faced academically and it is easier to turn to crime then getting a job
-religion - example is honour crime is legalised or ignored in muslim-majority countries
-media - it can idolise certain crimes or allow easier access to commiting crimes

Question 4

the functions of crime

Answer 4

1. boundary maintenance - crime can unite societys members against the commiter that reaffirms shared rules and boundaries
2. social change - protesters may commit crime to challenge existing norms and ellicit progression in society
3. safety value - example is that davis (1937) argues prostitution acts as a release for mens sexual desires without threatening their family and wife
4. warning light - deviance/crime within a society indicates its not functioning properly and a warning something needs to change

Question 5

what is another name for this theory

Answer 5

consensus theory - view that society works together in harmony