Functionalism and crime Flashcards
What do functionalists say about crime?
it is inevitable in society; allows for boundary maintenance, adaption and change, and social solidarity
What does Durkheim say about crime?
crime is inevitable, crime is positive, and calls for adaption and change
Why is crime inevitable?
Durkheim- poor socialisation results in everyone being socialised differently and learning different norms and values. Therefore, the inevitability of crime comes from the inequality in society.
Why is crime positive?
Durkheim says it allows for boundary maintenance which is the concept that crime is functional in society when there is the right amount, as people are punished for it, society can see the punishment and know not to commit the same crime.
How does crime allow for adaptation and change?
When a criminal act takes place, it allows for laws to be created. e.g Same sex marriage stemmed from it being illegal but people still having them.
What does Davis say?
Agrees with Durkheim- Crime can be positive, but in a different way. He believes prostitution provides positive functions because it allows men to express sexual frustration without threatening the nuclear family.
What is Merton’s theory?
Strain theory- states that crime is caused by the failure to achieve The American Dream through legitimate means
What are the strains to Merton’s theory?
conformism- accepts goals and means , innovation- accepts goals but reject means, rebellion- reject both goals and means, retreatism- reject both goals and means, ritualism- reject goals but accept means
What is conformism?
accept goals and means
What is innovation?
accept goals but reject means
What is rebellion?
reject goals and means
What is retreatism?
reject goals and means
What is ritualism?
reject goals but accept means
What is Cohen’s theory?
‘status frustration’ - working class being frustrated with their status in society
What did Cohen do in his study?
focused on w/c boys in schools who failed to succeed in m/c environments which lead to them creating anti-school subcultures which go against m/c norms and values. They created sc to achieve in the hierarchy, which explains why w/c is more likely to commit non-utilitarian crimes.
What did Cloward and Ohlin do?
Developed Cohens theory by suggesting 3 different subcultures
What did Cloward and Ohlin suggest about criminal subcultures?
They provide ‘apprenticeships’ for utilitarian crime. They exist in areas with stable criminal cultures, with hierarchies of professional criminals (e.g. drug dealers).
What did Cloward and Ohlin suggest about conflict subcultures?
They exist in areas of high population turnover. There is social disorganisation and only loosely organised gangs (e.g. postcode/turf wars).
What did Cloward and Ohlin suggest about Retreatist subcultures?
They are formed of people who fail in both legitimate AND illegitimate means and may turn to illegal drug use (e.g. ‘junkies’).
