Functionalist Perspective of C&D

Question 1

who are the three main functionalist CD theorists

Answer 1

-Durkheim
-Merton
-Hirschi

Question 2

what does Durkheim argue about crime(3)

Answer 2

-it is inevitable, normal and necessary
-it is due to differential socialisation
-there is an optimal level of crime

Question 3

what does Durkheim argue to be the functions of CD (3)

Answer 3

-boundary maintenance
-social integration
-generating social change

Question 4

explain Durkheim’s theory of boundary maintenance as a function of CD and give an example

Answer 4

-establishes and reaffirms value consensus eg through media
-eg Shannon Matthews case

Question 5

explain Durkheim’s theory of social integration as a function of CD

Answer 5

-crime unites society and creates social cohesion/ solidarity

Question 6

explain Durkheim’s theory of generating social change as a function of CD and give an example

Answer 6

-criminals test boundaries and challenge traditional norms and legitimises social change
-eg homosexuality

Question 7

evaluate Durkheim’s theory of CD (4)

Answer 7

-lacks empirical basis/evidence
-how do you measure optimal rate of crime
-crime is not beneficial to victims
-does not explain why certain crime is committed and over values laws

Question 8

what does Durkheim argue about the optimal level of crime

Answer 8

-too little = stagnation
-too much = chaos

Question 9

what is Merton’s theory on CD

Answer 9

strain theory and 5 methods of adaptation

Question 10

what does Merton argue strain is

Answer 10

-dominant culture dictates that hard workers will be rewarded however this is not possible for everyone so strain is felt and crime is caused

Question 11

what are the 5 ways people adapt to strain

Answer 11

-conformity
-innovation
-ritualism
-retreatism
-rebellion

Question 12

explain what is meant by conformity in Merton’s 5 adaptations to strain theory

Answer 12

-pursuing socially acceptable goals through socially acceptable means

Question 13

explain what is meant by innovation in Merton’s 5 adaptations to strain theory

Answer 13

-pursuing socially acceptable goals through not socially acceptable means

Question 14

explain what is meant by ritualism in Merton’s 5 adaptations to strain theory

Answer 14

-pursuing modest goals through socially acceptable means

Question 15

explain what is meant by retreatism in Merton’s 5 adaptations to strain theory

Answer 15

-rejection of socially acceptable goals and means

Question 16

explain what is meant by rebellion in Merton’s 5 adaptations to strain theory

Answer 16

-rejection and replacement of socially acceptable goals and means

Question 17

how did Merton develop his theory

Answer 17

-from observation from official statistics showing higher proportion of crime in lower classes

Question 18

evaluate Mertons strain theory (3)

Answer 18

-not all w/c turn to crime
-underestimates m/c white collar crime
-doesnt explain violent/ non utilitarian crime

Question 19

what is Hirshi’s theory of CD

Answer 19

-social control theory

Question 20

explain Hirshi’s social control theory

Answer 20

-crime results from individual’s bonds of attachment to society are weakened

Question 21

what are Hirshi’s four bonds of attachment

Answer 21

-attachment
-commitment
-involvement
-belief

Question 22

what is the typical delinquent according to Hirschi

Answer 22

-young single unemployed male
-truancy indicates low social attachment

Question 23

which other theorist supports Hirshi’s bonds of attachment theory and why

Answer 23

Murray/ New Right are critical of single parent families
eg lads need dads campaign

Question 24

evaluate Hirschi’s social control theory (4)

Answer 24

-ignored white collar crime
-Marxism argues this is victim blaming
-Interactionists argue that m/c are under represented in statistics
-single parent households are capable socialisers