Functionalism Flashcards
Dirkhiem’s beliefs :
Crime is universal and inevitable due to:
1.Inadequate socialisation
2. Diversity of lifestyles - different subcultures develop with their own norms and values that mainstream society sees as deviant
FUNCTIONS OF CRIME
What is boundary maintenance
Crime leads to society reinforcing shared norms and values + social solidarity
done through the courtroom - dramatising wrongdoing + discourages others from rule breaking
what is adaptation and change?
Change starts with an act of deviance
individuals with new ideas must not stop them due to social control
crime challenges norms and values - bring about change so society adapts to new ideas
what is the Safety valve
crime releases men’s sexual frustrations without threatening the nuclear family
preventing more serious disruptions
Pornography safely channels sexual desires away from adultery
What is the warning light?
Cohen - deviance indicates when an institution is malfunctioning
informs society that a change needs to be made
E.G. truancy
What is strain theory
People commit deviant behaviour when they are unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means
strain between cultural goals and structural factors
the american dream says society is meritocratic so people should achieve legitimately - not the case
doing well more important than doing it legit so people go to innovation
what are the two subcultural theories?
Cohen
cloward and ohlin
What does Cohen believe?
WC boys face anomie in MC education system - culturally deprived
Leaves them at bottom of official status hierarchy
suffer status frustration
turn to others similar to them forming a subculture - offers illegitimate opportunity structure
provided alternative status hierarchy - group inverts mainstream values
what did Cloward and Ohlin believe
agree that WC youths are denied legitimate opportunities
not everyone adapts to this by innovation
Some resort to violence and drug use
difference based on access to legitimate and illegitimate opportunity structure
What is the example for boundary maintenance?
2011 UK riots - people helped clean up the streets after
What are the 4 functions?
Adaptation and change
Boundary maintenance
Warning light
Safety valve
what subcultural theories is there?
Cohen
Cloward and Ohlin
who is the sociologist that came up with strain theory
Merton
