Functionalism

Question 1

Functionalism

Answer 1

• Functionalists believe the idea that society requires shared norms and values in order for it function properly.
• Institutions in society (such as the family, education, the media, etc.) have clear social functions, which ensure there is a broad understanding of the norms and values,
• Functionalists use the human body to explain how the different aspects of society are all interconnected and problems in one area of society might be symptoms of dysfunction elsewhere.
• Functionalists believe society is fair and meritocratic – everyone has the possibility to succeed and be socially mobile.

Question 2

Durkheim- role allocation

Answer 2

• Durkheim highlights the fact that within a class based society some people are able to achieve more than others.
• This is still useful because all of society’s roles get filled up (no matter how high/ low they might be).
• This is known as role allocation
• Society has a collective conscience – a shared set of norms and values.
• In order for social order to be maintained we need to ensure these values are passed on and followed by each future generation.
• This is the process of socialisation.
• Crime and deviance are part of this process.
• Crime is a positive part of society as it teaches us right and wrong – contributing to the process of socialisation.
• Crime provides work so is a functional part of society.
• Not everyone follows the collective conscience – so crime and deviance are inevitable.

Question 3

Hirschi- Bonds of Attachment

Answer 3

Hirschi considered why some people don’t commit crime
He wanted to know why people behaved, what factors caused them to stay in check, following norms and values set out by society.
Bonds of Attachment (1969)
Hirschi believed that people attach themselves to society through a variety of ways. They create a number of social bonds that holds them to society.
Attachment: for example, relationships with people
Commitment: for example, having a job
Involvement: for example, having hobbies, spending time with family and stuff
These bonds of attachment stop people from committing crime.

Question 4

Merton (strain)

Answer 4

Merton states that deviance occurs when individuals find that they cannot achieve the success goals of society in the normal way.
There is “strain” between the goals and people’s abilities to achieve them.
These people turn to crime as a means of achieving these goals.