functionalist explanation Flashcards
What approach do Functionalists take to studying society?
A positivist approach
Functionalists rely heavily on official statistics in their studies.
What do Functionalists assume about official statistics?
They are valid and reliable
Functionalists ignore the concept of ‘hidden crime’.
What are the key assumptions of Functionalism?
- Societies are held together by strong values and economic interdependence
- Society is more important than the individual
- Social values must be reaffirmed and passed on
- Crime is normal, inevitable, and functional
These assumptions guide the Functionalist perspective on crime.
Why is crime considered normal according to Functionalists?
It is a feature of every human society
Crime is not viewed as an anomaly but as a common occurrence.
Why is crime considered inevitable according to Functionalists?
- Societies need laws
- Laws will always create crime
- A crime-free society is unachievable
- Every society needs crime, it is functional
Functionalists argue that crime serves necessary social functions.
What is one function of crime related to reaffirming boundaries?
Criminal law clarifies acceptable behavior
Police arrests send messages about unacceptable behavior.
How do criminals contribute to social progress?
By testing boundaries and drawing attention to crimes
This leads to societal reflection and potential law changes.
What role do horrific crimes play in social cohesion?
They strengthen bonds among people through shared fear or horror
This can increase a sense of community.
What is a warning signal in the context of crime?
A sudden increase in a type of crime highlights a bigger social problem
For example, increased truancy might indicate issues at a school.
What is the safety valve concept in relation to crime?
Lower level crimes can prevent bigger crimes by releasing frustration
This was proposed by Durkheim.
How does crime contribute to employment?
Crime and deviance are significant employers in society
This contributes to the economy.
What does the term ‘anomie’ mean?
Insufficiently integrated into society’s norms and values
It describes a state leading to individualism over community.
Who applied the concept of anomie to 1930s US society?
Merton
He explored the impact of the American Dream on crime statistics.
What was Merton’s view on the American Dream?
It placed too much emphasis on cultural goals and not enough on means
This created strain in society.
What did Hirschi argue about crime and deviance?
We should explore why most people don’t commit crimes
This is a shift from traditional theories that focus on why people do commit crimes.
