Functionalism Flashcards
Who invented functionalism
Durkheim
What are the 3 structuralism theories
Functionalism, marxism, strain theory
What is functionalism
Functionalists believe society is based on “collective conscious”, social norms and values are spread by social institutions and certain institutions like police enforce this to maintain social control
What was durkheims view on crime
He believed some crime was inevitable and even beneficial for society
What happens if there is too much crime in society according to functionalism
Society becomes chaotic and dysfunctional (anomie)
What happens if theres no crime or deviance according to functionalism
Society becomes stagnant and cant develop
What are the 3 main functions of society
Adaption and change, boundary maintenance, crime as a “safety valve.
What are examples of adaption and change
Suffragettes, civil rights movement in america
What is boundary maintenance
Crimes can create piblic outrage which reinforces collective conscience and our shared norms
Example of boundary maintenance
9/11
How can crime be a safety valve
Comitting crime can be used to relax from the stresses of life which can be beneficial for maintaining order in socoety
How does functionalism explain criminal behavior
Crime and deviance belongs in society as a function and is beneficial
