Durkheim's Functionalist Theory

Question 1

What do functionalists, such as Emile Durkheim, see society as?

Answer 1

A stable structure based on shared norms

Question 2

What do functionalists see as the underlying cause of crime?

Answer 2

The structure of society

Question 3

Why is crime argued to be inevitable by functionalists?

Answer 3

Because in every society some individuals are inadequately socialised and likely to deviate

Question 4

What does Emile Durkheim call the situation where shared rules of behaviour become less clear due to society containing many social groups with varying values?

Answer 4

Anomie

Question 5

What are the four functions of crime?

Answer 5

Boundary maintenance, social change, safety valve and warning light

Question 6

Summarise boundary mainenance

Answer 6

The reaction of a crime unites society against the wrongdoer and thus reaffirms the boundary between wrong and right

Question 7

Summarise social change

Answer 7

For society to progress there needs to be individuals willing to challenge existing norms and values despite it seeming deviant at first

Question 8

What is a historical example of social change?

Answer 8

Nelson Mandela opposing the apartheid

Question 9

What’s an example of the safety valve?

Answer 9

Prostitution acts release men’s sexual frustration without threating the nuclear family

Question 10

Summarise the warning light

Answer 10

Deviance can act as an indicator that an institution isn’t functioning right

Question 11

What’s an example of a warning light?

Answer 11

High truancy rates in school