Functionalism, strain & subcultural theory

Question 1

Durkheim - crime is positive

Answer 1

Boundary maintenance:
Crime produces a reaction which strengthens the existing norms and values through punishment and ridicule of the perpetrator

Adaptation and social change:
for society to have norms and values that change, a deviant act must take place. Important in moving society forward e.g. Rosa Parks, Civil Rights

too much/too little crime is bad:
if states are too harsh on crime, then change will never take place - there is an ideal level of crime, too much = society torn apart

Question 2

Safety valve

Answer 2

Some minor crimes and acts of deviancy can actually prevent larger more serious crimes.

POLSKY suggests that accessing pornography can prevent more serious sexual
crimes.

Question 3

Merton - Strain theory

Answer 3

Strain between the socially-encouraged goals of society and the socially acceptable means to achieve them.

American dream: places more emphasis on the goals

1. conformity: achieve goals and accepted means
2. innovation: achieved goals, rejected means
3. ritualism: rejected goals, accepted means
4. retreatism: rejected goals, rejected means
5. reballion: form own goals and means

Question 4

A.K Cohen - status frustration

Answer 4

Working class boys in school who fail to succeed in middle class environment.

failure, students are likely to join delinquent subcultures which turn middle class values on their heads.

try to succeed within subcultures trying to rise in the hierarchy, turning to crime, which they have more chance of succeeding in.

Question 5

Cloward & Ohlin - 3 subcultures

Answer 5

people have unequal access to illegitimate opportunity structures as well as access to legitimate opportunity.

1. criminal subculture - provide apprenticeships for utilitarian crime, with a hierarchy of professional criminals e.g. drug dealers
2. conflict subculture - high population turnovers, socially disorganised groups and loosely organised gangs e.g. turf wars
3. retreatist subculture - formed of people who fail in both legitimate and illegitimate means - turn to illegal drug use

Question 6

Hirschi - Bonds of Attachment

Answer 6

Strong bonds with society stops people from committing crime.

Keep people closely linked to the value consensus and
ensure social control and order.

BELIEF
ATTATCHMENT
COMMITTMENT
INVOLVEMENT