Functionalism and crime: Durkheim Flashcards
What are 4 reasons crime is functional (serves a purpose) according to functionalism?
- Boundary maintenance
- Adaption and change
- Safety valve
- Warning light
Describe boundary maintenance.
When crime reinforces the boundaries of society). Once someone is sanctioned after breaking the law, the publicity around the crime demonstrates what happens when we cross boundaries of society and horrific crimes reinforce our solidarity.
What is an example of boundary maintenance?
Ant being convicted of drink driving.
Describe adaption and change.
In some cases, a crime creates a degree of sympathy or empathy that can result in a public outcry. Sometimes this signal a change in values, which can sometimes lead to adaptation in law to reflect the changing values.
What is an example of adaption and change?
George Floyd or Sarah Everard.
Describe a safety valve.
Deviant acts may be functional as a form of pressure release, allowing those to express themselves rather than being criminal. This is dated- laws on demonstrations are now harsher.
What is an example of a safety valve?
Ecocide protests- a demonstration might be an outlet for expression of discontent
What did Kingsley Davis (1967) state?
Prostitution acts as a safety valve.
Describe a warning light.
Clinard stated that deviancy acts as a warning function that there is some defect in the social organisation of society.
What is an example of a warning light?
Widespread Truancy indicates the need for changes in the educational system.
How are Functionalism useful when answering the brief?
To critique other theories
What is a strength of Durkheim’s theory of Functionalism?
Shows crimes can be positive.
What are two weakness of Durkheim’s theory of Functionalism?
- Dated (E.g., Safety valve), focuses on only positive functions of crime, and excludes a lot of crimes.
- White-collar, state, green, and non-western crimes are not included.
