Functionalist Explanations For Crime Flashcards
Why does Durkheim’s believe that some crime is healthy for society?
Strengthens social solidarity as people unite over outrage.
Acts as a ‘safety valve’ which indicates an issue with society.
Why is punishment functional for society?
It acts as a deterrent to the public.
What will happen if crime rates get too high in society?
Theres a risk of anomie.
Criticisms of Durkheim’s View
Its difficult to measure the ‘optimal amount of crime’ that can exist in society.
Crime only makes things worse (break up social solidarity)
Ignores the law is corrupt.
Not all crimes are dealt with by the police.
Punishments dont rehabilitate or act as a deterrent.
What is Merton’s explanation for crime?
Crime is a product of dysfunction in society.
Suggested that society was structurally unequal which led to a strain to anomie. E.g. the American Dream
What are the five ways working class Americans might try to reach the American Dream?
Conformity, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism and Rebellion.
Merton definition: conformity
Most Americans will take legitimate means to get success.
Merton definition: innovation
Some Americans turn to crime as a way of achieving the goal.
Merton definition: ritualism
Some Americans have given up on the goal of achieving success but happily continue to work. e.g. office worker
Merton definition: retreatism
Some Americans give up on the goal and the means to success. They drop out of society. E.g. drug users, alcoholics
Merton definition: rebellion
Some Americans replace the main goal and the legitimate means are rejected. Then are replaced bt other means e.g. terrorists
Criticisms of Merton
Only America
Strain is dependent upon wanting to achieve goals but not all goals are the same for people.
Doesnt explain crimes of passion or middle class crime.
Other forms of support; rather than money, give meaning to people’s lives.
Some w/c can be successful w/o following the American Dream
