functionalism - crime is inevitable necessary and functional Flashcards
what
functionalists see crime is a positive light - the right amount of crime can reaffirm values and strengthen social solidarity
how
crime is inevitable because not everyone can commit to the value consensus so people might turn to crime to achieve society’s goals
who
durkheim
crime would be present in all societies - this is due to not everyone being effectively socialised into norms and values
in a complex modern society leads to diversity of lifestyle and values - creates subcultures - different values are followed
why
this can have positive function for society as crime creates balance, this is important to functionalists
impact
rise in social solidarity - people will see this crime as wrong have certain values
durkheim
modern society is complex and so there is more anomie because the rules that govern behaviour became weaker
rise of a specialised division of labour - rise in individualism eg - liberal attitudes towards punishment - no death penality
strength
this demonstrates that crimes allow for a rise in social solidarity and reaffirm values - crime is inevitable functional
shows why there is some level of crime within society and that it is normal so we dont eradicate it
limitations
durkheim - no explanation on why certain social groups have more chance of being criminals than others
not all crimes are functional/beneficial for society
Taylor Walton and Young - crime itself is not functional for society - argue that it is not crime itself that is functional for society - publicising of the offence and punishment
interactionists
do not believe that there is an agreement about what is deviant or not - deviancy depends upon the social context of the act
disagree - are interested in the ways that the agencies of social control respond differently
