Functionalism Flashcards
What type pf theory is functionalism?
Structural, macro consensus
What is the functionalist view on crime?
source = located in structures of S
C+d can only be examined by looking at way S = organised structurally
Caused by S, not evil individuals
How do agencies of social control try to prevent crime?
Spreading value consensus
Helps create social order + cohesion
When did Durkheim write?
1985
What 2 reasons does Durkheim give for crime existing?
- Result of industrialisation
2. Performs +ve function (4)
Why does Durkheim argue that crime is a result of industrialisation?
Pre-industrial S, agencies of social control (fam/rel) = Powerful - c = rare
Individuals = socialised into correct n+v
Severe punishments (exile/death)
BUT industrialisation led to scientific, rational explanations
Undermined power of fam/rel
Socialisation, agencies + punishment threats = weaker
Led to ANOMIE (moral uncertainty/ confusion)
Led to c+d
why does Durkheim argue that crime must be functional?
Present in most S
Said: c = ‘integral part of all healthy S’
; all exposed to different influences + not all committed to shared v/ moral beliefs
C = necessary + beneficial (4 functions)
BUT does recognise that certain level can threaten social order
What are Durkehim’s 4 functions of crime?
- Enables social change
- Strengthen n+v
- Safety valve
- Warning device
How can crime lead to social change?
Durkheim
‘Yesterday’s days deviance is tomorrow normality’
Needed for S to progress, often starts with deviance
e.g. Suffragettes (W’s vote)
How can crime strengthen the n+v of S?
Durkheim
Act as boundary management
Cases were law isn’t upheld, legal sanctions = been increased
e.g. case of baby P, social services = forced to be stricter
How can crime act as a safety valve?
Durkheim
Allows S to maintain it’s own level of crime
By letting ‘petty/smaller’ crimes occur, prevent serious crimes
e.g. prostitution (moral crime); releases sexual urges preventing rape
How can crime act as a warning device?
If = sudden rise in crime, shows laws need to be implemented/ modified
e.g. underages pregnant rates = decline in past 5 yrs; morning after pill now available at chemists, not just at the doctors
Is all crime functional according to Durkheim?
No
Too much c+d can be dysfunctional
Therefore crucial that agencies of socialisation + social order = maintained IOT maintain healthy level
Agencies of social control = FUNCTIONAL PREREQUISITES
What is a strength of Durkheim’s work?
1st sociological explanation of c+d
Acted as an important challenge to early biological/ psychological theories (Lombroso)
What are 4 criticisms of Merton’s work?
- Don’t explain why certain groups = more likely to commit c+d
- Saying c = functional isn’t same as explaining how/ WHY it occurs
- Are all crimes functional? (9/11)
- Marxists: Over estimates v consensus, who has power to define c?