Func And Crime

Question 1

Durkheim theory of crime

Answer 1

Necessary for all societies to grow +adapt
-Boundary maintenance

Question 2

Is Durkheim theory on crime useful

Answer 2

Not useful explaining crime - looks into function it serves for society but not how and why it affects groups

Question 3

Durkheim crime theory evaluation

Answer 3

Davis - prostitution acts as release of sexual frustration (positive for society)

• Argue certain amount of crime good for society but no way knowing how much is useful

Question 4

Merton strain theory

Answer 4

-engage in crime when unable to achieve goals set by society legitimately

Structural cause - unequal opportunities
-Cultural - goals emphasised but legitimate means of achieving not

Question 5

Merton strain theory evidence

Answer 5

American dream idea - expected to pursue goals and life legitimately and show discipline +study etc

• Position in society affects response to strain

Question 6

Merton strain theory evaluation

Answer 6

— Value consensus = issue
Assume everyone strives for money and success

Question 7

MERTON strain theory useful or not

Answer 7

• Is useful in explaining utilitarian crime - most us crime is property crime

Question 8

Cohen status frustration theory

Answer 8

Agree with Merton that deviance is mainly lower class - inability to achieve goals

• see deviance as a response to strain, alternate status hierarchy - from subcultures with values inverted

Question 9

Cohen status frustration theory evauluation

Answer 9

Strength - offers explanation of non utilitarian deviance unlike Merton which only explains crime for profit

Question 10

Cohen status frustration useful or not?

Answer 10

Like cohen assumes Woking class start off sharing middle class goals