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?
What are the 2 ways in which Marxists would criticise Durkheim’s view on crime?
- Over estimates v consensus - underestimates how much c+d occurs
- Doesn’t consider who has the power to define c+d
When did Merton write?
1968
What is the first thing to mention when writing about Merton?
‘Merton (1968), who built upon the work of Durkheim….’
How does Merton build upon the work on Durkheim?
Uses concepts of anomie to try + explain WHY c+d occurs in the 1st pace
What are Merton’s 2 functions of crime?
- Manifest (intended functions)
2. Latent (unintended functions, e.g. anomie + breakdown of S)
What does Merton argue that there is a STRAIN between?
Goals of S (££) + accepted means of achieving them
S stresses importance of achieving these goals
Motivates individuals to achieve them
Idea of being wealthy = more important than means of achieving it
Can everyone achieve S goals though legitimate means?
What happens as a result?
No
People respond differently to strain
There = anomie on HOW a person should achieve S goals
What does Merton’s strain theory provide sociologist with?
Framework on how to classify (non)criminals
Must consider if individual accepts/ rejects:
a) S cultural goals
b) institutional means of attaining them
Why does Merton believe that crime is inevitable?
C = inevitable outcome of a S which shares the same goals BUT NOT the opportunities to achieve them
What are Merton’s 5 responses to strain?
- Conformity
- Innovation
- Ritualism
- Retreatism
- Rebellion
Whose response is ‘conformity’ to strain?
Merton
Those who accept S goals + institutional means of achieving them
Follow the rules, believe it will pay off eventually
More mc
Whose response is ‘innovation’ to strain?
Those who accept S goals BUT reject S rules (e.g. laws) on achieving wealth
May be because they don’t have means to (e.g £ for higher Ed) OR don’t believe in the laws so turn to crime
More wc
e.g. drug dealers, cheating on tests
Whose response is ‘ritualism’ to strain?
Those who don’t believe they can attain S goals
BUT continue down accepted path; = what supposed to do
Lack ambition + motivation
Most likely lower mc
e.g. teacher who = lost interest in job but contuse to teach
Whose response is ‘retreatism’ to strain?
Those who reject S goals + means to achieve them
These people often retreat to substance abuse
e.g. drug addicts, rough-sleepers
Whose response is ‘rebellion’ to strain?
These people redefine S goals
Create new means of pursuing their unique goals
Group works outside the established system
e.g. terrorists, conservationists
Give 2 reasons why Merton’s theory of c+d may be better than Durkheim’s
- M give an explanation of WHY c+d occurs in 1st place
2. M refers to different people committing c+d for different reasons - D overgeneralises
What are 4 criticisms of Merton’s work?
- Assumes we live in materialistic culture, doesn’t explain non-utilitarian crimes (murder)
- Ignores other factors (CAGE/locality)
- Marxists: fails to consider power, who defines goals?
- Assumes v consensus in USA S + people only deviate due to structural strain
BUT USA = not homogenous
American dream apply to UK? Is £ only goal?
How would Marxists criticise Merton?
M fails to consider power
Who decides S goal + acceptable means
Fails to explain white collar, corporate + state crimes
- mc who commit crimes have means to achieve G + DON’T experience strain
What are 2 strengths of Merton’s work?
- More relevant than Durkheim’s theory
- Supporting evidence: in times of crisis when people = less likely to have access to S goals through legitimate means, crimes (burglaries/theft) increases
