durkheims theory

Question 1

what is the theory

Answer 1

functionalism

Question 2

how does durkheim see society

Answer 2

as a stable structure based on shared norms values and beliefs about right and wrong

Question 3

when does durkheim say crime occurs

Answer 3

when members of society don’t conform to norms and values

Question 4

what are the two types of control

Answer 4

1. informal control (unwritten rules) e.g judgment
2. formal controls (written rules) e.g custodial sentence

Question 5

what is meant by anomie

Answer 5

there is a state of moral confusion where there is a lack of agreement on the norms and values of society ( everyone following different norms and values)

Question 6

how does durkheim see crime

Answer 6

as a normal part of society and positively

Question 7

what does FIN stand for

Answer 7

how crime is ( functional, inevitable and normal)
1. Functional: crime preforming positive roles for society (police, solicitors etc)
2. Inevitable: crime is bound to happen in complex modern society - not everyone is adequately socialised into shared values (anomie)
3. Normal: healthy to have some crime and deviance so society can progress (e.g womens rights and voting - suffragettes broke laws)

Question 8

describe boundary maintenance

Answer 8

POSITIVE FUNCTION:
- crime producing s reaction from society that unites society
- reminding then if the boundary between right and wrong
- reaffirms commitment to shared norms and values
- punishment reaffirms society’s shared rules, reinforces social solidarity

Question 9

what is an example of boundary maintenance

Answer 9

bee tattoo:
- after ariana grandes concert
- symbolises solidarity after it
- standing against terrorism
- reinforces that terrorism isnt a norm/value

Question 10

describe adaption and change

Answer 10

POSITIVE FUNCTION:
- individuals with new ideas must challenge exist norms and values to bring social change
- at first will be seen as deviant
- society needs to adapt with new ideas and change rather than stagnate (still and unchanging - not progressing)

Question 11

what is an example of adaption and change

Answer 11

SUFFRAGETES:
- broke windows, handcuffed themselves to railing and went on hunger strikes
- committed deviant acts to be noticed
NELSON MANDELA:
- broke racial segregation
- was classed as a terrorist
- 27 years in prison
- viewed as criminal until there was social change

Question 12

describe safety valve

Answer 12

POSITIVE FUNCTION:
- davie and polsky: some crime can release men’s sexual frustrations without threatening the nuclear family
- can be positive: prevents social disruptions which are more serious
- lesser of two evils minor deviant act =better than more deviant act

Question 13

what are some stats for safety valve

Answer 13

-11% men aged 16-74 have paid for sex at least once
- increases safety of women if frustration is released without harming anyone, prevents uncontested sex

Question 14

describe warning light

Answer 14

POSITIVE FUNCTION:
- deviancy signals when an institution is malfunctioning
- informs society when institutions are failing

Question 15

what are some stats for warning light

Answer 15

• 1/3 15yr olds in 2023 where persistently absent from school - shows institution (school) is malfunctioning! not socialising children appropriately

Question 16

STRENGTH: what was durkheim the first to recognise

Answer 16

crime can have positive functions for society and has contemporary application for example adaption and change and boundary maintenance

ONLY NEED TO EXPAIN THESE TO FULLY

Question 17

WEAKNESS: how much crime does durkheim state we need in society to create these positive functions

Answer 17

he doesn’t:
states too much/too little shows society isn’t functioning - doesn’t say how much this is, can’t use it practically

Question 18

WEAKNESS: does everyone benefit from crime

Answer 18

victims don’t
EXAMPLE:
sexual assault victims wouldn’t agree - can cause wider societal issues such as victims taking time off work