Durkheim Theory: Flashcards
What does Durkheim say about crime?
Crime is inevitable
What are the two main reason for crime to be inevitable?
- Poor socialisation such as not accepting the shared norms and values in mainstream society which results to deviancy.
- Society is more complexed and different cultures have formed which created subcultures as their norms may be seen as deviant in main stream society.
What is Durkheim’s definition of anomie?
Not fitting with social norms.
Why is there anomie in society and what does it lead to?
Due to the special division of labour and that leads to a weakened social solidarity and value consensus and Durkheim believes it leads to high levels of crime and deviance.
What is boundary maintenance?
The purpose of law and justice system is to act as a warning to law abiding citizens which the aim is to increase social solidarity.
What is adaptation and change?
Challenging society norms and valves which allows society to adapt and grow.
3 criticism of Durkheim’s theory?
- Doesn’t state which level of crime is the right amount.
- Crime can weaker solidarity and increase isolation.
- Doesn’t focus on now crime affects individuals or groups in society.
What is value consensus?
The need for society to have a common set of beliefs and principles to work with and towards.
What are the 3 functions of deviance that Durkheim says is essential.
1.Clarifies norms and increase conformity.
2.it strengthens social bonds among the people reacting to deviant.
3.it can help lead to positive social change and challenges to people’spresent views.
What does Durkheim say about the law?
An expression of the collective consensus which are the beliefs, morals, and attitude of a society.
Durkheim argue that in a functioning society there is a….
Value consensus, which is shared set of norms and values.
How is consensus reinforced in society?
Through the policing of the margins:
The formal and informal sanctions used to either reward those who conform or punish those who deviate.
